Humira v Infliximab

[Chron'sConfused]

Hi there,

I am new to this but am hoping for some advice regarding some potential treatment. I was diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 18 (and I am now 26). I have mild Crohn's which initially was contained in my sigmoid and rectum. I had ongoing symptoms over the 8 years but I learnt to live with all my symptoms. However, a recent colonoscopy has revealed that my Crohn's is now throughout my large colon. It is still mild but the inflammation is extensive. I was initially given Pentasa and Asacol (separately) but did not react well to either so eventually settled on Mesavant. I seemed to be getting on ok with this. But although I had no side effects the Doctors have finally compared my bloods over the last few years and do not think I have ever experienced proper remission.

It was decided that I really needed to find something to put my in remission. I started on Azathioprine but the side effects were hard to cope with so they tried me on Mercaptopurine. Unfortunately I suffered one of the rare side effects and after one tablet was in hopsital with pancreatits. I am currently at home recovering.

My GI nurse is fantastic along with my Consultant. They are keen to find something to put me in remission and have given me information leaflets on Humira and Infliximab. They have said in my case the pros and cons are similar and they want me to decide which I want to try. I have googled both and both seem to have some pretty scary side effects. Naturally I am very scared about trying yet another medication as I have had a rough few weeks. Can anyone tell me if they have any feelings towards either one?

I think I have just learnt to live with my Crohn's and put up with the lesser quality of life which my GI team are keen to help me get back. But I can live with the symptoms and the thought of trying out even more medication is really worrying.

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thank you

 

[Lisa]

Hi CC...I have been on Remicade for the past 7 years, with no real major side effects. Minor things here and there (some skin issues like eczema, possible drug-induced psoriasis but minor)....HOWEVER - the advantage of having my disease and fistulas taken care of FAR outweigh any side effects for me.

I have never been on humira so I can't comment on that.

2 of the major differences with the two, and this comes down to somewhat of a personal choice - humira is a shot given up to 2 weeks apart, something you do yourself. Remicade is an IV infusion which is normally done in hospital or in clinic - up to 8 weeks in between depending on symptoms.

Please check out the respective humira and remicade forums for more info on both....welcome!

 

[Michelle89]

Well, I guess I can't really help you with your decision, I've never taken either but I am about to start on humira. :thumright: I am waiting for the pharmacy and insurance to work out their issues and have it sent. My decision for humira (and my choice given by dr. was between remicade and humira) was in the end not that hard to make. I am already on imuran and it is not working. I figure with either, regular blood work is done to monitor potential side effects and I pray each time if something is there they find it!

I was diagnosed with crohn's in 2000 (at 30yo) after an emergency surgery resulting in the removal of some small intestines due to fistulas. Mine is centered around the Ileum. I have had many ups and downs and know what you mean about accepting a lesser quality of life, as for me I tend to get better and then slowly the symptoms creep in and before I know it I've accepted way to much that has kept me from doing way to much!

I used to avoid the medicines because I thought I could eat a certain way, avoid certain things and keep myself in remission, which I was for awhile. However, for me at least, I believe this disease is a cyclical disease that behaves sometimes and doesn't others - no matter what I do. I've done more harm than good by being off the meds it seems. The medicines help to regulate the cycle somewhat and I've learned I won't go off them again - even if feeling well. Unfortunately I haven't been well over the last month. As I said, We've found out the imuran isn't doing it's job and I've developed a couple big strictures in my small intestine. I've been put on prednisone to lower the inflammation - starting to taper off. So for me, I'm hoping humira does the trick - and I'm hoping I'm okay with doing shots - I'm more worried about that! ale:

Good luck with your decision!

 

[elfgibson]

I just started Remicade and no side effects so far will take next dose on 1/24. I too was scared and researched too much on google and the forums, everyone is different so it's hard to tell how anyone will react. Good luck!