Comparing Mercaptopurine vs Prednisone

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance: I've been on this medicine for 2 months. I feel, most days like I've been in a car accident. The pain is very difficult to handle. I ache like I have the flu. Thinking about not taking good it and take my chances. What could be worse?

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance: My son was on mercaptopurine at age 14 and had a reaction so severe he ended up in the hospital for 8 days. A blood vessel behind his eye broke so his vision was impaired. He had heart palpitations & trouble breathing. His platelets were dangerously low. He had to have 3 blood transfusions. We almost lost him. I know people who have been on this med for years with no problems. I am just sharing this to let others know to be extremely careful & if something doesn't seem right, contact your doctor immediately! There are no stupid questions, seriously. Always better to be safe than sorry.

For Inflammatory Conditions: My mother has been on prednisone for almost four years for polumyalgia/rheumatica. We found out recently that the reason she was in such horrible back pain and could hardly walk was the extended use of prednisone. The MRI showed she had actual cracks in her spine. We are still in shock. This cannot be reversed. Even though people feel fine and really on top of the world the end result is devastating. So now we are dealing with even more pain not even associated with Polymyalgia. She will never recover from this. Everyone is different, but please look at the cons of the medicine before taking. Beware!

For Inflammatory Conditions: I took prednisone 20mg for 3 years for Autoimmune Hepatitis and it definitely helped bring down my AST/ALT. I even saw regression of cirrhosis (by fibroscan). Side effects included increased appetite, weight gain (20lb max), moon face, hair started growing curly instead of straight, more severe infections (especially GI), and trouble regulating emotions. I didn't complain though, as I knew it was keeping me alive!