6-MP
Basically, 6-MP is an oral chemotherapy drug that was found out, by accident, to be good for
Crohn's. Like most of the anti-metabolite drugs, it interferes with the proliferation of
immune system cells in the intestine, and that means they can do less damage.
COMMENTS ON 6-MP:
Alison's comments:
I have been on 6 MP for almost 3 years. It takes 3 months to take effect. The biggest side
effect is hair loss. My hair got really thin at first and once my body got used to it,
it started to grow back. In Aug 96 my doc increased it and after a few months my hair was
getting very thin again. I wasn't going to let it get as thin as it was before because I
couldn't stand it and it was embarassing, so I told my doc and nurse and they took me back
to where I was before. Hopefully my hair will get thicker again real soon.
Barbara's comments:
I've been on 6 MP for a year and a half. The only problem I've had with it is that it lowers
my blood cell count. Right now, we are still experimenting with the dosage.
Sally's comments:
I have been on 6-MP for almost two years now, which in the US is the limit. I have to
have monthly blood tests since it causes a type of leukemia sometimes, but other than
that I've had no flare-ups from my Crohn's. In l994, I had a large abscess pop in me that
required surgery and three weeks in the hospital, and in 1995 I had high (104) temperatures
for six weeks, which put me in the hospital for another two weeks and nothing was ever
found after many tests as to what was causing the temps. At that time I was put on the
6-MP and have had no hospital visits yet!
Asacol
Asacol is used to treat chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes in the large
intestine. Asacol checks the inflammation in the large intestine mucous membrane.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most common side effects of Asacol are headaches, nausea, stomachache, diarrhea and
skin reactions. Other, less common, side effects include fever, chest pains, tiredness
and joint pains.
COMMENTS ON ASACOL:
Bob's comments:
I've been on it for 2 years now. I really didn't notice any change in symptoms
when I started on it. I can't say it has helped me as it has helped others, but
I'm not going to stop taking it to find out.
Erik's comments:
I have been using this drug for the past year. I take six daily, three
and three. This drug seem to help, with no visible side effects other
than nausea if I don't eat anything prior to taking it. This drug seems
to regulate Crohn's very well. I have been able to control most of the
effects of Crohn's.
Dulcolax
Dulcolax is used to treat temporary constipation, to emptying the intestines before
x-rays and examinations of the intestines. Dulcolax should not be used when having
acute stomach pains.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most common side effects of Dulcolax include nausea and stomachache.
Rare side effects iclude irritation of the rectum.
Entocort
Entocort is a corticosteroid mainly used in the Crohn's treatment
Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used
in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions.
Entocort decreases the inflammation in the small intestine and the first part of the
large intestine.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects of Entocort range from mild annoyances to serious
irreversible bodily damages. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood
pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration,
irregular menses and convulsions.
COMMENTS ON ENTOCORT:
Mayer's comments:
I have had Crohn's for over 6 years now and I have been taking Entocort for
almost 4 months. It's incredible how I am feeling better now, finding this
medicine was the most important thing to me. It's a shame that US has not
approved this medicine yet, I hope it doesn't take long. It's really
expensive to buy it from Europe and I can't afford it.
Martin's comments:
I was diagnosed with Crohn's 3 years ago. After some bleedings, the doctor gave
me Entocort Klysma, which I've been using for almost a year now. At first, I
improved considerably, but after a few months that improvement came to a halt
(bleeding once more). But still I'm positive about Entocort. When I use it less
often, I'm start feeling worse. Let's hope the insurance keeps on paying it in
the Netherlands!
?'s comments:
I have been taking Entocort for several months. I suppose I'm lucky in that I have
never had to take Prednisone, I was diagnosed just recently and the doctor
immediately put me on Entocort. It has made a real difference in how I feel. It hasn't
completely gotten rid of the problem, but it makes it possible for me to get through a
day feeling almost normal. However, every time we lower the dosage things get worse.
I'm just happy that it's available for use in Canada.
Flagyl
Flagyl is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites.
Anaerobic bacteria are single-cell living organisms that thrive in low oxygen environments
and can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess),
and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes). Giardia lamblia and ameba are
parasites that can cause abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea in infected individuals. Flagyl
selectively blocks some of the cell functions in these microorganisms, resulting in their
demise.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Flagyl is a valuable antibiotic and is generally well tolerated with appropriate use.
Serious side effects of Flagyl are rare and include seizures and damage of nerves resulting
in numbness and tingling of extremities (peripheral neuropathy). Flagyl should be stopped if
these symptoms appear. Minor side effects include nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, a
metallic taste, and rarely a rash. Alcoholic intakes can cause serious damages while on
Flagyl!
Imodium
Imodium is used to normalize the intestine movements, obstruct liquid losses and
increases the ability to hold the motion.
Imodium is used to treat acute temporary diarrhea, chronic diarrhea and disability
to hold the motion.
Imodium should not be used by Ulcerative Colitits patients!
SIDE EFFECTS:
Rare side effects of Imodium include headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting,
skin rashes, stomachache and constipation.
Imurel
Imurel is classified as an immunosuppressant medication. Imurel is used to suppress the
immune system in patients who have had kidney transplants. Although its exact mechanism
of action in rheumatoid arthritis is not known, its effect in suppressing the immune system
appears to decrease the activity of this illness.
SIDE EFFECTS:
The most common serious side effects of Imurel involve the blood elements and gastrointestinal
system. Imurel can cause serious lowering of the white blood cell count, resulting in an
increased risk of infections. This can reverse when the dose is reduced or temporarily
discontinued. Imurel can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can resolve
when the dose is reduced or divided through the day. Imurel can also cause liver toxicity.
All patients taking Imurel require regular blood testing for blood counts and liver function
tests for monitoring. Other side effects encountered less frequently include fatigue, hair loss,
joint pains, and diarrhea.
Prednisolone
Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are natural substances
produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent
anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as
arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes and allergic or inflammatory
conditions of the nose and eyes. There are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including
oral tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, and injectable
and intravenous solutions.
SIDE EFFECTS :
Side effects of Prednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious
irreversible bodily damages. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood
pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness of and hair growth on the face,
thinning and easy bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of
diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic
disturbances. Psychic disturbances can include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings,
personality changes, and even psychotic behavior.
