Humira or something else?

[Kerry29]

I am to the point where I can't eat anything so my dr. Wants me to start humira but after reading everything I am very scared to start it. On the other hand I'm losing so much weight and feel worse everyday and no one I k ow has any advice for me. Has humira helped others as bad as this or does it just make you feel worse? -kerry:sign0085::sign0085::sign0085:

 

[Jennifer]

Hi Kerry29 and welcome to the forum!

If your issue is mainly inflammation then yes Humira might help. Its helped many from mild to severe cases of Crohn's. If its scar tissue you're mainly dealing with then no medication will be able to fix that unfortunately. In cases like this you may need a resection or strictureplaty if possible.

Other medications can be used in combination with Humira to try and get your flare under control. Also since you're having a hard time eating then you may also want to look into/request Enteral Nutrition http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Enteral-nutrition as it allows gut rest and gives you much needed nutrition. Also have all of your vitamin levels tested to make sure you aren't low or deficient in any which is very common with Crohn's.

 

[EthanPSU]

Definitely go on humira, I was scared of it at first but it grows on you and you will get use to it. As for bad side effect and such, I have experience none so far. Humira I'd say has been the best medicine I've been on since diagnosed

 

[B Baker]

I was really scared too, but its the best decision I've made. I noticed an improvement within a week of starting it. I really didnt think I could inject myself, but honestly its not that bad. Thankfully after 4 months, I have only had good effects, no bad ones.

 

[kronic]

Have you tried asacol yet? Worked very well for me up until I developed fistulas. Really stopped the diarrhea and loss of appetite.

 

[mbishop]

I tried several of the major med groups, and Humira is the only one that's really helped me retain remission. I'm in off-label world (twice the approved dosage) by my doc's instructions, and I only seem to have minor side effects (headaches and a bit of fatigue). Definitely worth it, and the side effects are better than pred!

All of the biologicals have similar risk profiles, but they are appearing better and better as a treatment option, especially if started early. Because they are new, the really long term risks aren't known, but its been worth the quality of life improvement for me.

 

[Scaryman]

I'd go on humira.talk to your GI about the methotrexate/humira combo. I have 3 strictures and originally wanted to do stricturplasty on me. Upon consultation and second opinion at the university of Chicago they recommended this biological treatment methotrexate/humira. You'll need to have your blood work monitored (liver panel). But methotrexate increases the potency of humira. So far my inflammation is ok. But the ultimate test is prednesone tapering. If I can't stay off the steroids then surgery might not be a avoided in my case. I'd talk to your GI about your concerns. I can answer any questions you might have.

 

[DougUte]

The warnings scared me also. I have now been on Humira for 17 months. My inflammation its under control, which sulfasalazine, asacol, and a host of others failed to do. I have had no side effects besides temporary injection site reactions. Raised bumps that go away in a few minutes. No big deal.

If your problem is inflammation then Humira is a good choice.