Choice of metothrexate or infliximab for our 15 year old

[forthboy]

Our 15 yr old son has had OFG for some years now, and has now been diagnosed with crohns. He has been on 6mp for his OFG with god success but obviously it hasn't been enough to keep Crohns at bay. The consultant has outlined a choice of treatments available.
1. steroids and Methothrexate or
2. Infliximab
We are worried about side effects or possible links to cancer.
Looking for advise.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I heard an expert lecture on crohn's treatment. He said methotrexate is the preferred drug in the immunosuppressive category for young males. He didn't elaborate on why. I am curious to know the answer myself and couldn't find anything on it.

So, for whatever that is worth, I figured id pitch in.

 

[Clash]

My son is on both Remicade and MTX. Remicade came first right after diagnosis and it was awesome from the first infusion it alleviated his symptoms but after the loading doses he had problems making it 8 weeks til the next one. So we tweaked the schedule, upped the dose of Remi then added MTX.

Always hard decisions.

All if us worry about the risks. It is much easier though when you see the med working and your kid able to get back to just being a teen.

Whatever your decision I hope your son reaches remission quickly.

 

[forthboy]

thanks for the words of encouragement.

 

[Clash]

Is it going to be a short course of pred with the MTX? Are they considering a short course of pred with the Remicade as well? I'm only asking because it can take 6 weeks for the MTX to reach therapeutic levels or start working but it can also take Remicade some time to work as well. A lot of members do get response right away but it isn't always the case.

Also we have a parents section you may want to visit. We have a great thread with lots of research info in there that you may want to browse as well. My mobile won't allow me to post the links but when I get to my laptop I'll be sure to post them.