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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is Meaning Of Test Levels Being Sub-therapeutic?

I am on Imuran for autoiummune hepatitis. I just had the metabolism of the drug measured and my doctor said that the levels are "sub-theraputic" and need to double my Imuran dose. I have been on the Imuran as well as Prednisone for 3 months and my liver function tests were close to normal last time (not sure what they are now). So what does it mean that my levels are sub-theraputic when my liver tests are improving?
Mon, 6 Oct 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
sub-therapeutic means that you need more medication for the optimal result. The most potent drugs regarding its side effects (like imuran) are studied to define the lowest possible dose that provides acceptable results. When the drug concentration in your blood is lower than the desired one (sub-therapeutic) then the drug's efficacy is reduced. This doesn't mean that the drug has no effect but the effect is not the best for you.
Even a lower level may provide benefit (you're also on prednisone which can sometimes be used as the sole regimen for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis) but a higher dose would have provided better results.
I hope I've answered your question.
If you have further questions on the subject, I'll be glad to answer.
And if you found the answer helpful, please indicate so while rating it.
Kind Regards!
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What Is Meaning Of Test Levels Being Sub-therapeutic?

Hello, sub-therapeutic means that you need more medication for the optimal result. The most potent drugs regarding its side effects (like imuran) are studied to define the lowest possible dose that provides acceptable results. When the drug concentration in your blood is lower than the desired one (sub-therapeutic) then the drug s efficacy is reduced. This doesn t mean that the drug has no effect but the effect is not the best for you. Even a lower level may provide benefit (you re also on prednisone which can sometimes be used as the sole regimen for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis) but a higher dose would have provided better results. I hope I ve answered your question. If you have further questions on the subject, I ll be glad to answer. And if you found the answer helpful, please indicate so while rating it. Kind Regards!