Question:
Hi All, I’m on Imuran 100 mg a day and from what I remember the maximum dosage depended on your body weight, the normal dose for preventing organ rejection is 5 mg/kg of body weight/day, but for other conditions it is 2-2.5 mg/kg of body weight/day, so it will depend on your body weight as to how much you will be taking. Hoped this has helped William.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and to make sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) I wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be discussing this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? — Brian Drain http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down — ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw
Response:
For the metric impaired that would be .91 to 1.14 mg/lb or roughly 1 mg/lb
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am metrically impaired! You answered my question! Thanks again! Margie :-) <~~who felt too stupid to ask!
Response:
Hi All, I’m on Imuran 100 mg a day and from what I remember the maximum dosage depended on your body weight, the normal dose for preventing organ rejection is 5 mg/kg of body weight/day, but for other conditions it is 2-2.5 mg/kg of body weight/day, so it will depend on your body weight as to how much you will be taking. Hoped this has helped
For the metric impaired that would be .91 to 1.14 mg/lb or roughly 1 mg/lb
Response:
Thanks Sam, Good luck at the Physiotherapist. I did do a course of Entocort (which is the same thing as Budesonide), but it didn’t seem to do anything whatsoever. On the bright side, it didn’t have any side effects that I noticed, one of the few meds that I haven’t had some type of side effect from. Yeah, the abcesses, four of them altogether, I believe (the last one was the size of a tennis ball….ICK!) have been, er…very interesting. Until they appeared, my Crohn’s symptoms were limited to big pain, cramping, constant D and the occassional blockage. When I first got the first abcess, I didn’t think that it was at all related to my Crohn’s, ’cause it sure didn’t feel the same. It is bizarre, the various forms that this disease can take. As for the methotrexate, I am totally thankful that I haven’t lost any hair, as that is purported to be one of the side effects, my hair is down to my waist, and although, I am not a particularly vain person, it would hurt me greatly to lose it. *HUGS* Ann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think that ‘accident’ isn’t really appropriate for the carnage that happened here – I’ll send you some photos… I’m off to see the physio again at 11:30 – she’s a little concerned about the state of my neck currently… Have you tried any of the other anti-inflammatories (like entocort or budesonide)? Sounds like that abcess has given you worlds of entertainment, I sincerely hope that you get your methotrexate sorted out and it works, but even surgery would be preferable to pain. I’m in a similar situation – if the methotrexate hadn’t been effective then I’d be looking at a short hospital holiday. Good luck… Sam : Sam, : At least the headaches aren’t from the meds! You need to be careful about : those car accidents though. *HUGS* : I haven’t been on Pred for about two years, but I was on 6-MP in the mean : time. I was able to get off of the Pred when I had my abcess in my : abdominal wall drained. It turned out that the Pred was actually making the : abcess worse, and it was masking it the whole time. The Pred helped my : Crohn’s symptoms, but the masking effect was too dangerous with the abcess : thing. : I have been in a constant flare for almost the last three years, and unless : they start to allow remicade in Canada, the methotrexate is my last hope, : before surgery. Right now the surgery is looking good. (I would have to : have the portion of my transcending colon, that has the fistula that goes to : the abcess, removed, and then resected) : *HUGS* : Ann : I was stuck on 15mg/day prednisolone before I started methotrexate – tried : a : few times to get below this but straight back into a flare when I did. : With methotrexate I am now nearly a month pred free and still in : remission – : indeed, this is the healthiest (as far as Crohns symptoms are concerned) : I’ve : been for over 2 years. : : Bloody headaches are annoying me at the moment, but then, I know what’s : causing that and I’ve probably got to claim responsibility for them, so I : can’t really complain. What do you expect when you nearly kill yourself : in a car crash and completely stuff up your neck? : : Sam : : : : Thanks Sam, I will question my Doc about this. I know that I feel half : : dead most of the time, but I certainly don’t want this drug to kill me! : : : Just one question though, has the methotrexate reduced your Crohn’s : : symptoms? In what way? : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate : : strikes : : me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 : months, : : onto : : fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that : will : : change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious : : effects : : (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I : read : : somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least : : monthly : : tests done. : : : : Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start : to : : help : : : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one : : about a : : : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : message : : : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no : nausea : : : (although : : : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay : : within : : : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of : an : : : effect : : : on you than it should… : : : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first : few : : days : : : as : : : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because : it : : : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, : I : : : usually : : : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever : for : : the : : : next : : : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is : : going : : : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still : going : : : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : message : : : : Ann, : : : : : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the : : moment, : : : and : : : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : : : definitely in : : : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : : : debilitating : : : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for : : five or : : : six : : : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder : : infection, : : : in : : : : the : : : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant : : drugs, : : : and I : : : : am : : : : : really frustrated. : : : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? : I : : got : : : : violently : : : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try : is : : : Meth. : : : : : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : : : : : Rebecca 
: : : : : wrote in : : article : : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose : until : : (a) : : : : you’re in : : : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly : depressed. : : : Since : : : : the : : : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be : a : : long : : : : process. : : : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage : but : : had a : : : : couple : : : : : of : : : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had : to : : stop : : : : taking : : : : : it. : : : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on : 150mg/day : : right : : : : now, : : : : : and : : : : : to make : : : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering : from : : : 5mg/day : : : : : soon) : : : : : I : : : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of : course, : : I’ll : : : be : : : : : discussing : : : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the
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Response:
I think that ‘accident’ isn’t really appropriate for the carnage that happened here – I’ll send you some photos… I’m off to see the physio again at 11:30 – she’s a little concerned about the state of my neck currently… Have you tried any of the other anti-inflammatories (like entocort or budesonide)? Sounds like that abcess has given you worlds of entertainment, I sincerely hope that you get your methotrexate sorted out and it works, but even surgery would be preferable to pain. I’m in a similar situation – if the methotrexate hadn’t been effective then I’d be looking at a short hospital holiday. Good luck… Sam
: Sam, : At least the headaches aren’t from the meds! You need to be careful about : those car accidents though. *HUGS* : I haven’t been on Pred for about two years, but I was on 6-MP in the mean : time. I was able to get off of the Pred when I had my abcess in my : abdominal wall drained. It turned out that the Pred was actually making the : abcess worse, and it was masking it the whole time. The Pred helped my : Crohn’s symptoms, but the masking effect was too dangerous with the abcess : thing. : I have been in a constant flare for almost the last three years, and unless : they start to allow remicade in Canada, the methotrexate is my last hope, : before surgery. Right now the surgery is looking good. (I would have to : have the portion of my transcending colon, that has the fistula that goes to : the abcess, removed, and then resected) : *HUGS* : Ann : I was stuck on 15mg/day prednisolone before I started methotrexate – tried : a : few times to get below this but straight back into a flare when I did. : With methotrexate I am now nearly a month pred free and still in : remission – : indeed, this is the healthiest (as far as Crohns symptoms are concerned) : I’ve : been for over 2 years. : : Bloody headaches are annoying me at the moment, but then, I know what’s : causing that and I’ve probably got to claim responsibility for them, so I : can’t really complain. What do you expect when you nearly kill yourself : in a car crash and completely stuff up your neck? : : Sam : : : : Thanks Sam, I will question my Doc about this. I know that I feel half : : dead most of the time, but I certainly don’t want this drug to kill me! : : : Just one question though, has the methotrexate reduced your Crohn’s : : symptoms? In what way? : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate : : strikes : : me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 : months, : : onto : : fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that : will : : change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious : : effects : : (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I : read : : somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least : : monthly : : tests done. : : : : Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start : to : : help : : : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one : : about a : : : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no : nausea : : : (although : : : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay : : within : : : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of : an : : : effect : : : on you than it should… : : : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first : few : : days : : : as : : : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because : it : : : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, : I : : : usually : : : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever : for : : the : : : next : : : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is : : going : : : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still : going : : : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : message : : : : Ann, : : : : : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the : : moment, : : : and : : : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : : : definitely in : : : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : : : debilitating : : : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for : : five or : : : six : : : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder : : infection, : : : in : : : : the : : : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant : : drugs, : : : and I : : : : am : : : : : really frustrated. : : : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? : I : : got : : : : violently : : : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try : is : : : Meth. : : : : : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : : : : : Rebecca : : : : : : : article : : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose : until : : (a) : : : : you’re in : : : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly : depressed. : : : Since : : : : the : : : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be : a : : long : : : : process. : : : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage : but : : had a : : : : couple : : : : : of : : : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had : to : : stop : : : : taking : : : : : it. : : : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on : 150mg/day : : right : : : : now, : : : : : and : : : : : to make : : : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering : from : : : 5mg/day : : : : : soon) : : : : : I : : : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of : course, : : I’ll : : : be : : : : : discussing : : : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest : doses : : been : : : : here? : : : : : : — : : : : : : Brian Drain : : : : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : : : : — : : : : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Response:
Sam, At least the headaches aren’t from the meds! You need to be careful about those car accidents though. *HUGS* I haven’t been on Pred for about two years, but I was on 6-MP in the mean time. I was able to get off of the Pred when I had my abcess in my abdominal wall drained. It turned out that the Pred was actually making the abcess worse, and it was masking it the whole time. The Pred helped my Crohn’s symptoms, but the masking effect was too dangerous with the abcess thing. I have been in a constant flare for almost the last three years, and unless they start to allow remicade in Canada, the methotrexate is my last hope, before surgery. Right now the surgery is looking good. (I would have to have the portion of my transcending colon, that has the fistula that goes to the abcess, removed, and then resected) *HUGS* Ann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was stuck on 15mg/day prednisolone before I started methotrexate – tried a few times to get below this but straight back into a flare when I did. With methotrexate I am now nearly a month pred free and still in remission – indeed, this is the healthiest (as far as Crohns symptoms are concerned) I’ve been for over 2 years. Bloody headaches are annoying me at the moment, but then, I know what’s causing that and I’ve probably got to claim responsibility for them, so I can’t really complain. What do you expect when you nearly kill yourself in a car crash and completely stuff up your neck? Sam : Thanks Sam, I will question my Doc about this. I know that I feel half : dead most of the time, but I certainly don’t want this drug to kill me! : Just one question though, has the methotrexate reduced your Crohn’s : symptoms? In what way? : *HUGS* : Ann : Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate : strikes : me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 months, : onto : fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that will : change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious : effects : (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I read : somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least : monthly : tests done. : : Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… : : Sam : : : : Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start to : help : : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one : about a : : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea : : (although : : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay : within : : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an : : effect : : on you than it should… : : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few : days : : as : : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I : : usually : : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for : the : : next : : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is : going : : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : message : : : Ann, : : : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the : moment, : : and : : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : : definitely in : : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : : debilitating : : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for : five or : : six : : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder : infection, : : in : : : the : : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant : drugs, : : and I : : : am : : : : really frustrated. : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I : got : : : violently : : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is : : Meth. : : : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : : : Rebecca : : : : : article : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until : (a) : : : you’re in : : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. : : Since : : : the : : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a : long : : : process. : : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but : had a : : : couple : : : : of : : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to : stop : : : taking : : : : it. : : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day : right : : : now, : : : : and : : : : to make : : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from : : 5mg/day : : : : soon) : : : : I : : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, : I’ll : : be : : : : discussing : : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses : been : : : here? : : : : : — : : : : : Brian Drain : : : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : : : — : : : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Response:
I was stuck on 15mg/day prednisolone before I started methotrexate – tried a few times to get below this but straight back into a flare when I did. With methotrexate I am now nearly a month pred free and still in remission – indeed, this is the healthiest (as far as Crohns symptoms are concerned) I’ve been for over 2 years. Bloody headaches are annoying me at the moment, but then, I know what’s causing that and I’ve probably got to claim responsibility for them, so I can’t really complain. What do you expect when you nearly kill yourself in a car crash and completely stuff up your neck? Sam
: Thanks Sam, I will question my Doc about this. I know that I feel half : dead most of the time, but I certainly don’t want this drug to kill me! : Just one question though, has the methotrexate reduced your Crohn’s : symptoms? In what way? : *HUGS* : Ann : Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate : strikes : me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 months, : onto : fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that will : change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious : effects : (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I read : somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least : monthly : tests done. : : Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… : : Sam : : : : Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start to : help : : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one : about a : : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea : : (although : : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay : within : : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an : : effect : : on you than it should… : : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few : days : : as : : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I : : usually : : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for : the : : next : : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is : going : : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : Ann, : : : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the : moment, : : and : : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : : definitely in : : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : : debilitating : : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for : five or : : six : : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder : infection, : : in : : : the : : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant : drugs, : : and I : : : am : : : : really frustrated. : : : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I : got : : : violently : : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is : : Meth. : : : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : : : Rebecca : : : : : article : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until : (a) : : : you’re in : : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. : : Since : : : the : : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a : long : : : process. : : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but : had a : : : couple : : : : of : : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to : stop : : : taking : : : : it. : : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day : right : : : now, : : : : and : : : : to make : : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from : : 5mg/day : : : : soon) : : : : I : : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, : I’ll : : be : : : : discussing : : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses : been : : : here? : : : : : — : : : : : Brian Drain : : : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : : : — : : : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Response:
Thanks Sam, I will question my Doc about this. I know that I feel half dead most of the time, but I certainly don’t want this drug to kill me! Just one question though, has the methotrexate reduced your Crohn’s symptoms? In what way? *HUGS* Ann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate strikes me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 months, onto fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that will change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious effects (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I read somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least monthly tests done. Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… Sam : Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start to help : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one about a : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : *HUGS* : Ann : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea : (although : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay within : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an : effect : on you than it should… : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : Sam : : : : Sam, : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few days : as : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I : usually : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for the : next : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is going : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Ann, : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, : and : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : definitely in : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : debilitating : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or : six : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, : in : : the : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, : and I : : am : : : really frustrated. : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got : : violently : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is : Meth. : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : Rebecca : : : article : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) : : you’re in : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. : Since : : the : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long : : process. : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a : : couple : : : of : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop : : taking : : : it. : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right : : now, : : : and : : : to make : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from : 5mg/day : : : soon) : : : I : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll : be : : : discussing : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been : : here? : : : : — : : : : Brian Drain : : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : : — : : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : : : : : : : :
Response:
Ah, I’m sorry, but months between tests when you’re on methotrexate strikes me as a little dangerous. I was having weekly tests for about 5 months, onto fortnightly tests now (one on Friday) and it’s not likely that that will change in the immediate future. Methotrexate can have very serious effects (like sudden death) so it really needs to be monitored. I think I read somewhere that even when you’re stable on it you still need at least monthly tests done. Good luck, hope you can get this sorted out… Sam
: Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start to help : me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one about a : month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. : *HUGS* : Ann : Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea : (although : this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay within : 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an : effect : on you than it should… : Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? : : Sam : : : : Sam, : : : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few days : as : : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I : usually : : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for the : next : : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is going : : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Ann, : : : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, : and : : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m : definitely in : : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : : : Sam : : : : : : : Sam, : : : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me : debilitating : : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or : six : : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, : in : : the : : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, : and I : : am : : : really frustrated. : : : : : *HUGS* : : : : : Ann : : : : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got : : violently : : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is : Meth. : : : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : : : Rebecca : : : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) : : you’re in : : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. : Since : : the : : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long : : process. : : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a : : couple : : : of : : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop : : taking : : : it. : : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : : : Sam : : : : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right : : now, : : : and : : : to make : : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from : 5mg/day : : : soon) : : : I : : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll : be : : : discussing : : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been : : here? : : : : — : : : : Brian Drain : : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : : — : : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : : : : : : : :
Response:
Yeah, we have talked about it, but he is hoping that it will start to help me. My blood tests haven’t been too regular to be honest. I had one about a month and a half ago, and I will have another on Sept 13. *HUGS* Ann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea (although this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay within 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an effect on you than it should… Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? Sam : Sam, : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few days as : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I usually : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for the next : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is going : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : *HUGS* : Ann : Ann, : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, and : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m definitely in : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : Sam : : : : Sam, : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me debilitating : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or six : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, in : the : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, and I : am : : really frustrated. : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got : violently : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : Rebecca : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) : you’re in : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since : the : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long : process. : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a : couple : : of : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop : taking : : it. : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : Sam : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right : now, : : and : : to make : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day : : soon) : : I : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be : : discussing : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been : here? : : : — : : : Brian Drain : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : — : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : :
Response:
Are you having regular blood tests? I get the tiredness, no nausea (although this is listed as a knon side effect I think) and I’m usually okay within 36-48 hours. Sounds like it might be having a little bit more of an effect on you than it should… Have you discussed the effects with your doctor? Sam
: Sam, : I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few days as : well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it : nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I usually : sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for the next : five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is going : around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going : approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? : *HUGS* : Ann : Ann, : : How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, and : I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m definitely in : a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. : : Sam : : : : Sam, : : : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me debilitating : : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or six : : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, in : the : : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, and I : am : : really frustrated. : : : *HUGS* : : : Ann : : : : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got : violently : : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. : : : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : : : Rebecca : : : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) : you’re in : : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since : the : : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long : process. : : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a : couple : : of : : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop : taking : : it. : : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : : : Sam : : : : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right : now, : : and : : to make : : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day : : soon) : : I : : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be : : discussing : : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been : here? : : : — : : : Brian Drain : : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : : — : : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : : : : : :
Response:
Sam, I am also on 15mg/week. It makes me really tired for the first few days as well. I take it on Monday night, I take it with gravol, because it nauseates me, and I basically go right to bed. After I take it, I usually sleep for at least 14 hours, and then I have a low grade fever for the next five or six days. I have also been catching everything that is going around. I have been on it for three months, and I am still going approximately 20 times a day. Is it just not working for me? *HUGS* Ann – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ann, How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, and I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m definitely in a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. Sam : Sam, : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me debilitating : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or six : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, in the : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, and I am : really frustrated. : *HUGS* : Ann : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got violently : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : Rebecca : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple : of : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking : it. : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : Sam : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, : and : to make : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day : soon) : I : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be : discussing : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : : — : : Brian Drain : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : — : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : :
Response:
Ann, How much methotrexate are you taking? I’m on 15mg/week at the moment, and I don’t think my immune system has suffered greatly, but I’m definitely in a ‘bowel-happy’ state at this time. Sam
: Sam, : I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me debilitating : migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or six : days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, in the : last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, and I am : really frustrated. : *HUGS* : Ann : Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got violently : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. : : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : : Rebecca : : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple : of : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking : it. : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : Sam : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, : and : to make : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day : soon) : I : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be : discussing : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : : — : : Brian Drain : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : — : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : :
Response:
Well, let’s see – Imuran (apart from the nausea and liver problems which made it totally unsuitable for me) gave me no trouble whatsoever for an entire month – it took that long for me to develop any reaction to it. As for methotrexate – well, you’ve got to be impressed with any drug that lists "sudden death" as a possible side effect. For me, the effect has varied with time. I started on 7.5mg/week, taken on a Saturday. This turned out to be a really good thing, because it just happened to completely knock me senseless for about 36 hours the first few doses. I wouldn’t have been able to walk a straight line if my life depended on it, I was popping Panadeine (equivalent to Tylenol 3 I think) like there was no tomorrow for the headaches that were probably closer to migraines, and I couldn’t concentrate on anything. Lots of fun. Then I got used to it, I was on 7.5mg for about 8 weeks in total. Then the doctor says that I need to go to 15mg/week. I’m thinking "here we go again" but this time there was no problem, apart from some pretty severe fatigue, that lasts for about 36 hours. Now I get the occasional headache, and I think I’ve figured out how to overcome the fatigue part – go and run around on a hockey field like an idiot for a couple of hours after you’ve taken your weekly dose and you will expect to be tired anyway. I simply find that the methotrexate has more side effects than Imuran did (when I could still handle it), and if I could take azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine then I would. Sam
: Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got violently : ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. : Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. : Rebecca : From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in : "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the : drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. : For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple : of : nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking : it. : I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. : : Sam : : : : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and : to make : : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) : I : : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be : discussing : : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : : — : : Brian Drain : : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : : — : : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw : :
Response:
Sam, I am curious too, 6-MP which is similar to Imuran gave me debilitating migraines, so now I am on Methotrexate, and have a fever for five or six days a week, and have caught two colds, and had a bladder infection, in the last couple of months. I don’t like any immunosuppressant drugs, and I am really frustrated. *HUGS* Ann
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got violently ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. Rebecca From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple of nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking it. I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. Sam : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and to make : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) I : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be discussing : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : — : Brian Drain : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : — : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw
Response:
Sam – why would you rather have Imuran than Methotrexate? I got violently ill on Imuran too – and the next drug the doc wants to try is Meth. Any advice/suggestions/stories appreciated. Rebecca – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple of nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking it. I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. Sam : What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and to make : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) I : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be discussing : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : — : Brian Drain : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : — : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw
Response:
What is the maximum dosage for Imuran?
I have no idea what the MAXIMUM dosage would be, but I have been taking 250mg/day for a few years now with wonderful results. I am so happy for you that you will be able to be off the prednisone. As you know, this disease affects each of us differently, and, unfortunately, I will never be completely off the prednisone. However, I have gone down from 80mg/day to currently 20mg with the hopes of holding at 10. I wish you all the best. Just be sure to follow up on all your blood work while on Imuran. It is so important. Especially if the medication works so well! Don’t be afraid. You will probably feel no ill effects if they increase your dosage. You will only feel better. Stay well. Margie :-)
Response:
I have been on 250mg a day of Imuran for several years now. I have also been off the pred. for about as long. I don’t know what the max dose is but my white count has been steady between 8 and 10. I thought it would have gone down farther being on such a high dose. — Charles ICQ# 7814843 http://www2.whidbey.net/cswain/
Response:
What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and to make sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) I wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be discussing this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? — Brian Drain http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down — ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw
Response:
From what I understand, they will increase your dose until (a) you’re in "remission" or (b) your immune system is slightly depressed. Since the drug can take months to have any effect then this can be a long process. For the record, I was on 100mg, was to increase dosage but had a couple of nasty reactions – vomiting and liver problems, so I had to stop taking it. I’d rather have Imuran than methotrexate any day. Sam
: What is the maximum dosage for Imuran? I’m on 150mg/day right now, and to make : sure I can STAY off the prednisone (I’ll be tapering from 5mg/day soon) I : wonder if going to 200mg would be a problem? (Of course, I’ll be discussing : this with my GI as well) So what have the highest doses been here? : — : Brian Drain : http://members.aol.com/preyemuhs – Currently down : — : ASW Home: http://www.webdesigns1.com/asw
Response:
I was on 150mg, and it wreaked havoc on my white blood count. I’m on 125 right now and the counts are low but still acceptable. I think I remember reading a post from someone here that they were on 250 or 300 and I was duly impressed. IMHO, it doesn’t matter how much *you* are on. If it works, more power to you. Just don’t sacrifice anything else for it. Chris
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Categories: Crohns Symptoms | 
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, I also seem to get the damn yeast infections more frequently than others may, so this also effects my ability to actually have intercourse. But I will still get into the lacy/frilly thing even if its just to appease his visual desire. And sometimes I find out that even tho I thought I COULDn’t or WASN’T in the mood, something happens along the way and suddenly I’M the one who benefited!!!! But – as a disclaimer, I also must add…..it DOES take an understanding partner -