Hi - could really use some advice. I am a 47 year old female who just recently underwent my second bowel resection. I had my first resection and strictureplasty 13 years ago. I just learned that I have the kind of Crohn's that has a very high chance of re-occurrence (5% of Crohn's patients) so my doctors and surgeon were happy I was able to get that long of a time period between surgeries. I'm doing great post surgery, feeling really good and can eat fairly normally. I'm still on Pentasa which I have been on for years (different brand names but same type of drug). My GI seems to want me to consider going on Humira or Imuran as a preventative measure to give me as long as possible before I would need another surgery. I've had a round of Remicade prior to my first surgery and I used Imuran back in my early 20s to get the disease under control but I stopped when my husband and I started thinking about having kids. Given the possible side effects of both of these drugs it just makes me nervous given that I'm feeling really good right now. Has anyone else gone on any of these meds as a preventative measure? Appreciate the advice!
Humira vs Imuran vs Pentasa for prevention?
- Thread starter KBK
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My son was on Humira and is now on Remicade long term to prevent flares. I strongly suggest you go on a biologic (Humira) like your doctor is recommending since it is clear the Imuran didn't work well enough to keep you from developing severe disease. Or did you go off it and never go back on? If it worked for you before then that might be enough. Was your disease severe when you started on Imuran?
No matter what, either one or the other is needed. Pentasa was only as good as placebo in recent studies so I wouldn't bother taking that unless your GI feels strongly about it in your case.
Imuran/AZA/6-MP has been associated with a very tiny increased risk of cancer but otherwise no serious long term side effects. The biologics have not been found to have any increased risk of cancer and appear to have no serious long term side effects.
No matter what, either one or the other is needed. Pentasa was only as good as placebo in recent studies so I wouldn't bother taking that unless your GI feels strongly about it in your case.
Imuran/AZA/6-MP has been associated with a very tiny increased risk of cancer but otherwise no serious long term side effects. The biologics have not been found to have any increased risk of cancer and appear to have no serious long term side effects.
Given that your Crohn's has necessitated another surgery, meds at least for now, seem like a good idea in my opinion. So many here have had good luck with both Imuran and the biologics. Coming to terms with the scariness of the drugs is easier than letting the disease totally wreck you.
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I'm in the same boat -- a year out from my second resection, and feeling pretty top notch right now, but my Dr. is encouraging me to start on preemptive prevenative medication, either Humira or Remicade.
What did you end up going with? How has it been for you?
What did you end up going with? How has it been for you?
I'm in the same boat, too--I had a small bowel resection this March, and have been feeling great, but my doctor wants me to start preventative treatment to avoid future stricture/surgery. I hate the thought of taking such intense medication on a regular basis when I'm feeling well, but I also don't want to get myself into the situation I found myself in earlier this year. I look forward to hearing other people's experiences/suggestions.
