How common is to adjust Humira dosage after first levels checked

[florida2001]

Just wonder how many of you had to adjust the dosage right after first therapeutic levels checked.

 

[braveheart]

Hi Florida2001. I can tell you about my 11yo kid who also has CD but mostly focused on descending colon. He is taking another biologic drug (infliximab) and doctors decided to rise dosage levels (double) and also reduce the period between dosages from 8 to 6 weeks. Doctors also added a weekly dosage of Methotrexate to power up the effect of the biologic treatment. They arrived to that decision based on infliximab levels in blood tests and also his general well being. In his case after 4 weeks of the dosage he started having a little blood in stools so they decided to do that change. I hope this helps.

 

[Jo-mom]

Same with my son with Remicade. Right after the induction phase, his levels were too low and also had to double up dosage and period between dosage. Seems to be more common with teens/younger adults.

 

[Andersen007]

And for those of you who responded, did the anti-TNF start to work properly and for multiple years without loss of response after early dose escalation?

 

[Pangolin]

I don't think I've seen a single case on here in which someone had an anti-tnf dose escalation and then they went into long-term remission.

 

[my little penguin]

My kiddo -dose escalation on remicade after first three infusions-within 8 months from start date -multiple allergic reactions /drug eruptions etc..
Dose escalation of humira within first three months (was given children’s dose first even though he was beyond the weight limit ) - adult dose need increased frequency every year for 5 years
Only on Stelara dose was increased at 8 months (took that long to battle insurance for higher frequency) that was 6 years ago .. so far no issues since then

 

[Jo-mom]

My son had his dose increased right from the start after his induction, and has been doing well for 5 years and counting. There have been adjustments along the way from 5/8 weeks to 10/4 weeks to 5/4 weeks and now 5/5 weeks. MTX was added one year ago.