More Blood Work & Labs!

Today I got to get some more blood work done to test for Hepatitis B & C, along with CRPs(C-Reactive Protein Test). Along with a test for TB. These are being done just in case I have to start the biological therapies. I also have to get another Prometheus test done that is called TPMT. This test is to check and see how well my body will be able to handle Thiopurine(it is a type of Immunomodulator) Therapies. Some people process it faster than others, while others can’t process it at all. So this test is pretty important to have before I even get started on it. This test also helps to determine how much my doctors should start me on if I need to be put on it.

I really really really don’t want to be put on Imunnomodulators though. They can have some pretty nasty side effects and I could potentially be sick a lot since that whole class of drug are used to weaken or modulate the immune system. Here’s a list of some of the side effects of these meds from CCFA:

• “Azathioprine and 6-MP: Infrequently reported side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and malaise (general feeling of illness). Sometimes changing from azathioprine to 6-MP or vice versa may reduce some of these reactions. Canker sores in the mouth, rash, fever, joint pain, and liver inflammation are unlikely to be affected by changing from azathioprine to 6-MP or vice versa. Less common side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and bone marrow suppression, which may increase the risk of infection or serious bleeding. A return to normal blood cell production may take several weeks after discontinuing the medication.
• Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: Infrequently reported side effects include decreased kidney function, hepatitis, increased risk of infections, diabetes, increased cholesterol levels, sleep problems, headache, mild tremor, high blood pressure, swollen gums, tingling of the fingers and feet, increased facial hair, and increased risk of lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system).
• Methotrexate: Infrequently reported side effects include flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea) and low white blood cell count. Less common but more serious side effects include scarring of the liver and lung inflammation. Scarring of the liver can be made worse by diabetes, being overweight, and alcohol consumption.”

Thankfully we are not there yet. I will be starting my new medications on the 28th of this month. This is when I’ll be down to 10mg of the Prednisone and that is when my doctor wants me to start the new medication. I will be finding out within the next couple of days exactly what it is. It is currently at the compounding pharmacy being made. I’ve been told what it is but I could be spelling it wrong because I haven’t had any luck finding it online. Although I think it might be budesonide(brand name Uceris). I found the name of this drug while taking a survey at CCFA Partners. I really hope that it’s covered by the insurance at the compounding pharmacy. They can make it for $92(90 pills for 30 day supply) vs the cost being $900 at the pharmacy(not sure what I would pay). Seeing how it’s much cheaper there it would be really stupid on their part.