Imuron for UC

My son is suffering through another attack of his ulcerative colitis.  The doctor wants him to consider trying the drug Imuron after his round of Prednisone is done.  Can you explain the benefits of this?  Are the possible side effects worth it?

Thanks.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
There are two phases in the treatment of ulcerative colitis - the induction therapy and the maintenance therapy.
During induction therapy, the disease is brought under control. Depending on the severity , 5ASA, imuran or steroids are used for induction.

Once the disease is brought under control, it has to be maintained like that by giving medications. This is called the maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy medications include 5ASA and imuran.

For your son, his doctor is trying to bring the disease under control with steroids and later for maintenance therapy, imuran will be given.

The side effects of imuran include nausea, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, pancreatitis, allergic reactions and infections.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.