Are all biologics the same?

[chrisnsteph1022]

Obviously, the delivery method differs, but here's my question: if one biologic doesn't work, is there a chance a different one will? Cimzia has lost effectiveness, so for now, we're adding Imuran/azathioprine. Once that stops working (if I ever get into remission), I assumed I could just switch to Remicade and give that one a shot. However, my GI said there's no point, as they're all the same and if this doesn't work, the others won't either. My only option left is Methotrexate, which neither of us are too keen on.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey Chris... Remicade is a mouse protein type biologic and Humira is Human. These two are not the same, Remicade is stronger (in my opinion) and Humira and Cimzia are more alike. I have been on Remicade (highly allergic ) and Humira didnt work. Since Cimzia is not available in Canda, my Gi thinks it probably wont work. I agree on that. Been on Metho twice, didnt work for and I was always ill feeling..who needs that. Hard to give opinions as we are all different. Depends how bad your crohns is. Have you had surgery? Has it been discussed?

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I'm Steph. Surgery has never been mentioned. My CD was severe, but I responded well to treatment. It's mild now. I'm just not completely where I want to be (remission). I hate being nauseous and that seems to be under control, so I don't think I'd tolerate metho very well. I may push for remicade if adding imuran doesn't work. It's been 3 weeks, so not really long enough to see the effects. I was doing really well last week and thought it was working, then went downhill last weekend. Still not as bad as I was back before the Cimzia, though.

 

[ThanksP]

Remicade is working for me so far after Cimzia and 6MP failed. It can't hurt to try.

 

[Crohn's 35]

I'm Steph.

Ugh I am sorry :yfaint: didnt know.

 

[beth]

Cimzia is a PEGylated antibody to try and hide it from the immune system... It seems odd to me that you've been put on it before Remicade/Humira. I'd have expected the other way around.
Adding azathioprine may help slow down your immune system from wiping out the cimzia.

 

[Ducey99]

Humira has never worked for me as well as Remicade did, not even close really. Also when I first started Remi my symptoms would return a bit before each infusion. Because of this I started getting it every 6 weeks instead of every 8, which is not that uncommon. Eventually I was able to go the full 8 weeks.
After being on both biologics available to me, and seeing the difference in them, I would definitely recommend giving the others a shot!