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How Long Before Imuran Works

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/4/2016 3:16 AM (GMT -5)
For those of you where Imuran (or 6MP) helped you, how long was it before you started noticing improvement?

I have had to go on prednisone multiple times this year for flares so my doctor started me on Imuran (I've been at 150 mg for about three weeks).

I am still in a flare and understand that Imuran can take sometime to work but wondered on average how long it took. My doctor says within a few weeks but I have read 2-3 months or longer.
Posted 12/4/2016 6:21 AM (GMT -5)
Imuran and 6mp are very slow working medications. For someone starting imuran/6mp it's going to be a minimum of 6 weeks. More realistically it's 2-3 months. As they often start you at a very low dose, and gradually step up your dose as you start getting good blood test results back.
Posted 12/4/2016 2:51 PM (GMT -5)
Hey jax, I too am starting imuran this week. Hopefully as soon as tomorrow. What have your symptoms been like leading up to using imuran? Have you noticed any change at all in the first few weeks? I have the same question as you... How long will it take? These last six months of flaring have just taken a toll. I want to gain my darn weight back!
Posted 12/4/2016 9:09 PM (GMT -5)
My symptoms were actually better before I started Imuran but only because I was still coming off of prednisone. After I got off it, my flare started back fully again.

I started at 50mg for two weeks, then 100mg and now 150mg for three weeks. I have not noticed any improvement yet but at least I have not had any bad side effects like being nauseous. The only side effect I have had is not being very hungry and feeling full after only a little food...but this side effect seems to be getting a little better.

I'm looking forward to gaining some weight back too and getting back to lifting weights. But it has been even harder with such a small appetite.
Posted 12/5/2016 2:12 PM (GMT -5)
It took me 3 to 4 months. I was on Uceris at the same time. I still have little blood on and off but over all doing fine.

If it does not work by 4 months, check if you have enough medicine in your system. There is blood test to check that. It gets better with time so don't give up if your LFT and CBC are good.

Wish you quick and looong remission.
Posted 12/8/2016 12:50 AM (GMT -5)
My dr said 4-6 weeks before I should expect any improvements. No such luck for me on that front though. I'm past that and now on to adding more medicines into the mix
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