Imuran

[Mamalou]

My Sjogrens symptoms have been getting worse and now my heart has become involved.  I was sent to a specialist at the University hospital in our state.  The new dr there wants me to start on Imuran.   I already have skin cancer and two nephews with lymphoma one of which recently passed away from it. There were strong warnings about the drug increasing the risks of lymphoma and skin cancer.   I am really surprised he prescribed it.  Not sure if it is safe for me to take.   Both of my sisters have breast cancer and their dr has already warned me about the risk of lymphoma just from the sjogrens.
Does anyone here know the risks of this medications?  All the other ones we have tried have given me bad side effects.    i am very discouraged and unsure about what to do.  The inflammation in my chest affecting my heart is scary.

[Carolina]

Dearest Mamlou,

You are correct that the side effects of skin cancer and lymphoma are cited, strongly, for Imuran.

I can only think that your doctor believes that these risks are less of an evil than the current threat of the inflammation that put your heart in danger.

I do believe that a second opinion may be warranted in your case, but I also believe that time is of the essence.

I would also offer for your consideration that you seek medical advice at a major medical center, if you have not done so yet.

Please keep us posted and know your have our support.

Regards,  Elaine

[SjoGirl]

Well there are, unfortunately risks with every drug. With Imuran you have to have blood work done every two-three months to see if it is causing any untoward issues. If the blood work shows ill effects you can stop taking the drug.

I do wonder what dose your doc is considering and to what degree that dose might increase the potential for triggering lymphoma. I have found that a good question to ask is something like based on the dose you plan to prescribe, what is the percentage likelihood that such a dose would increase my risk for lymphoma and how much might it increase the risk? I have found that sometimes the risk is much smaller than a general statement about risk might lead us to think (sometimes not).

Another option might be to say, it would seem that you believe that the benefits of the drug would outweigh the potential increased risk for cancer, would you please help me understand your thinking.

Hope this helps.