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6pm questions & alcohol intake

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/19/2011 6:14 PM (GMT -5)
Hello everyone! Well, after feeling like I was dying on my short lived relationship on imuran, my doctor changed me over to the 6mp. Funny story, didn't get an information pamphlet and after the first day I took it without a side effect of massive headaches and neausea I didnt think twice. I finally looked it up and honest to God I'm scared of what I'm on. I went to the pharmacy, got my pamphlet and read it also interferes with my lialda? How dangerous is this drug? I see that it is very common in te forum. Also, I wanted to touch base with why drinking alcohol should be avoided. I saw the Limit alcoholic beverage sticker, but I have that on my lialda and I drink... Not too much but I've been drunk a few times. But im assuming the alcohol is different with the 6mp. I was on a wine tour up in the fingerlakes this past weekend and I had Bo problem was so ever buy I feel like this is probably an internal thing. Thanks for (hopefully) putting my mind at rest guys!
Posted 11/20/2011 12:00 AM (GMT -5)
This is a semi-serious med. That is why this has to be closely monitored by your GI, meaning that frequent bloodwork is needed to prevent complications such as pancreatitis, liver toxicity and lowered WBC.

I have been on it for about 5 years and only once did I have a liver enzyme test come back a bit elevated, but that is because my doc increased my dosage - he lowered it again.

Yes, you should limit your alcohol intake while on this because it is processed thru the liver. With drinking, it puts more strain on the liver. I am not an every day drinker but I still have a few beverages on the weekends. I've even had my blood tested the Monday after having a couple drinks and it showed no issue. I think a few drinks here or there should be no problem provided that you have no problem processing the 6mp.
Posted 11/20/2011 12:21 AM (GMT -5)
Ok that makes sense... Double whammy on the liver then when you add drinking. Is this something you can stay on for life? Even though I'm sure the long term side effects are very rare, they are still scary. I also forgot to mention this until it hit me tonight. Heartburn. I've had it pretty consistently for about two weeks now, maybe 3? Is this something that comes with imuran/6mp? Because that is when mine started, I've never had a day of heartburn in my life. (you should have heard the conversation between me and my mom... No mom my throat burns not my heart, I had no idea!) or maybe heartburn is just a common theme in uc?
Posted 11/20/2011 8:17 AM (GMT -5)
I am on Imuran and yes the reason you should drink in moderation is that it can be hard on your liver. I have never heard of an issue with Lialda and Imuran or 6mp. I was on both for several months and my doctor did not see an issue. The pamplet I got didn't say there was a problem being on Lialda and Imuran...

Also remember that the drug risk information for Imuran and 6mp that lists long term side effects has come from those who use it at much higher doses (for transplants and cancer) than what we use it for with UC. The doses given for UC are significantly lower and many people have been on these drugs for years. It can be a long term drug as long as it continues to work for you. I have heard of people who have been on it for 10-20 years and others who stopped using it after 5 years because it stopped working. I think it is really important to take it as prescribed in order for it to work longer term. I know some people stop takikng it and then try to start it again...it seems from reading posts here that sometimes if you stop taking and then start it again it becomes less effective.

No, I have not heard of heartburn with 6mp or Imuran but I have heard of it with UC in general...however heartburn can also be caused by lots of things unrelated and sometimes it just happens for no apparent reason...
Posted 11/20/2011 9:17 AM (GMT -5)
I had acid reflux start shortly after starting 6mp. Not heartburn, I never had the burn - just difficulty swallowing, stomach pain and a painful lump like feeling in my chest. I am now on Prilosec. My GI mentioned that I may have mild gastritis in addition to the acid reflux. It has never been severe enough to warrant an endoscope, so the doc is just guessing.

My GI mentioned that I would probably be on it for life unless something happens such as my body rejects it or it stops working for me completely.
Posted 11/20/2011 11:45 AM (GMT -5)
     My bilirubin was twice the normal while I was on 6MP (on it for seven years and it only kept me in remission for two).   When in the hospital back in 2008 my pancreatic enzyme levels were alarmingly high too.  The doctor took me off the 6MP for a few weeks and when the enzyme levels returned to normal, he placed me back on it!!  Had surgery last year and am off all that crap..wish I had the surgery ten years ago.
Posted 11/22/2011 9:22 AM (GMT -5)
I just started 6MP and I am on Lialda...I'm curious about what your phamplet said about a possible interaction as my GI didn't mention anything.
Posted 11/22/2011 10:46 PM (GMT -5)
My gi didnt metion it. I went into the pharmacy an got my handout for the 6mp an it mentioned it on there. I have to call my gi tomorrow anyway. I got nauseous on the 6mp so I have to let him know about that. Is it safe to take tums for now for the heartburn? Anybody know?
Posted 11/23/2011 8:18 AM (GMT -5)
My GI didn't mention it either, it was on my pill bottle. But than I DID ask him and he said that if I wanted to drink, do so in moderation but don't go overboard.

Blonde, yes it's okay to take Tums but be sure to mention the heartburn to your GI as well.
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