Biologics Effects vs Immunosuppressants effects

[Sea_Star]

Ok, first off, Happy 4th to all in the US

Alright, I succumbed to my Dr prescribing Humira and had my 1st loading doses 2 Fridays ago....however, thinking things through, I'm questioning why Humira and the other Biologics have the risk for Fungal, TB, infections vs 6mp/Imuran? They are both suppressing the immune system, sure in different ways, but why is there a risk for TB and psoriasis, etc on Humira, but not for 6mp?

I should have stayed on 6mp when I was in remission :/ Recap: 100 mg of 6mp in 2011, my levels were HIGH (like 14000 for MMP i believe) and my Doc wanted me on Humira. I said no...a month later, at the 2nd opinion, I was in total remission but with elevated Liver panels a little. So my dose was lowered, felt great, took myself off until last year. I was started at 50 mg in Nov, bumped to 75mg in Feb, and in April/May, my levels were on the higher "end" of normal...so they said to switch to Humira :/ My only sympton is RLQ pain...

so i'm thinking, I'd rather go on a higher dose of 6mp (which worked last time!) than face new problems with Humira, like Chest palps, new infections, etc. I finally got to the point where I felt safe with 6mp

In your opinion, are Biologics safer? I have mild-moderate Crohn's btw.

 

[Clash]

In newer studies biologics have been shown to be safer as far as risks for hsctl than 6mp and Imuran.

Being on biologics does not increase your risk for TB you just have to tested for and treated if positive for TB before starting biologics.

6mp, Imuran and methotrexate suppresses the whole immune system whereas biologics work to only suppress tnf alpha.

If you were to stop humira now you may not be able to go back to it if you had need of it later since your body will be more likely to build antibodies to it is you stop use. This makes it impossible to use again.

 

[Mr chicken]

Humira and biologics in general have far less side effects IMO
Ds has been on them for 3 plus years
Skin issues are there with biologics only in folks who are already prone to skin issues
So if you had lots of rashes /eczema/hives etc before biologics
Then they may show up again
Humira is used to treat psoriasis btw in some folks .
6-mp has a much higher risk of cancer the longer your on it from the studies I read.

Often the new drug when you first start it ( no matter what that is seems scary )
But once it starts working you tend to not want to stop it .
It's all about finding something that works and comfort zone

 

[Sea_Star]

Thank you both for your informative answers!

I called the Humira hotline yesterday who mentioned chest palpitations/short of breath could be "New or worsening heart failure???" Uh, before the pen touched my skin I was told by the nurse and previously the doctor that Humira doesn't cause heart problems/heart failure....just worsens it. But then this is what I'm told and what I read on the package insert.

These things are why I'm saying 6mp seemed a lot nicer to me lol I got into remission with a high level of 6mp(double the upper limit of MMP)...idk why I can't do that again, even if it affects liver or bone marrow down the line. Sure beats heart failure or Lupus, or anything else Humira can cause!