Cytoxan, Novantrone, Imuran, oh my...
 

I am interested in hearing about any of you that that used any of the following drugs for treatment. What has been your experience? How bad are the side effects. Do you think it has beneficial in stopping the progress of your ms? I have done quite a bit of reading on all three, and I must admit that the thought of being on any of them does not thrill me. I am also worried about being excluded from future treatments because of the nature of these drugs. However, I do realize that I need to take some action to try to confront this, and I am not convinced that LDN does anything to stop progression. The few studies thus far do suggest some symptom relief. On the other hand, the studies on imuran also contradict each other and are not really convincing. Has anyone been on LDN and imuran at the same time?

Also, has anyone read anything recently about how having repeated IPIR's may affect your heart health?

Thanks for any information you can give me.

Jim was on Novantrone. He only had one IV dose. His immune system dropped within one month and he couldn't fight off infection (UTI/kidney failure). It was a new drug back then and the side effects were not fully made aware at the time. However, with that being said, I have heard very good success stories from others who've tried it.

Jim's immediate physical side effects were low. Some nausea, blue urine and that's about it. He took prednisone for a week after his first dose to counter any bad side effects.

I am just bumping this up to see if I can get anymore feedback:)

used imuran for 7 years
 

Hi There,

I have used Imuran for the last 7 years. My experience has been very positive. I've had no side effects.

I do believe the course of my MS was altered as a result of adding Imuran to my treatment which was and still is Avonex.

That said, I know that some people have stomach issues with the use of this drug, I am not one of them. I was told those issues will develope quickly, and you will immediately be told to discontinue the use of the drug.

I know that some people have increased chances of developing infections or other illnesses. I am fortunate that I have had barely a cold over the course of my treatment with Imuran.

The biggest problem I've had is that I was denied a Yellow Fever shot when I traveled to South America. So I needed to avoid any areas that Yellow Fever was a problem. So no Amazon Basin for me.

I do believe Imuran has been a good choice for me, but it sure isn't a drug for everyone. I think you are wise to be careful. Good luck with what ever you do.

Barb - I had HiCy (which is High-Dose Cytoxan)....and I can't recommend it highly enough! Most days, I "forget" that I have MS...unlike 5 months ago a day didn't go by that I wasn't getting worse.

Anyhow, you can check threads I've written in the past about HiCy...

Personally, I would *never* do regular chemo. Somehow doing just the 4 day blast was okay...but dealing with it on a regular basis...I wouldn't touch it.

Good luck on your quest!

~Keri

Keri,

Thanks! I am not sure if I am brave enough to try any of these. I will be 52 soon, and take meds for bp and cholesterol. I doubt that I am the best candidate for HiCy.