Infliximab at 65

[Bunty]

Does anyone know why there is a reluctance to start anyone over 65 on infliximab?
I'm assuming that if you start it at, say, 63 then you'll stay on it for as long as it's needed or continues to work or be tolerated, you won't just be taken off it on your 65th birthday.
My consultant mentioned the possibility of putting me on it at my last appointment, I don't see him again till October and it's just something I've been thinking about as I'll be 63 when I next see him. Thanks.
Bunty x

 

[Catherine]

https://www.remicade.com/shared/product/remicade/prescribing-information.pdf

From the above:-
.
Treatment with REMICADE should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate may be at greater risk of infection.

 

[Bunty]

Thank you Catherine, I had read that but had still wondered why the 65 cut off. Re reading it just now, of course it's because of the increased risk of infection once you become ancient
I'm still non the wiser about starting it in your 60s and how long it can be continued for if it works. A trade off between the higher risk of infection, and stopping the crohns I suppose, much the same for anyone of any age, except a higher risk of infection.
Bunty x

 

[my little penguin]

Individuals over 65 are just at higher risk for infection in general regardless of meds since the immune system declines.
That said my little one is currently on prednisone /methotrexate and humira
Once he weans off Pred he will still have mtx and humira combined

 

[Bunty]

Its because we're all so old and crumbly
Your poor little chap, penguin, that's a lot to go through at his young age
I have every sympathy as my youngest son, now 34, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was ten and had to learn to inject himself right from the start.
Best wishes to you and him.
Bunty x

 

[Jeffer]

Well done NHS

Does anyone know why there is a reluctance to start anyone over 65 on infliximab?
I'm assuming that if you start it at, say, 63 then you'll stay on it for as long as it's needed or continues to work or be tolerated, you won't just be taken off it on your 65th birthday.
My consultant mentioned the possibility of putting me on it at my last appointment, I don't see him again till October and it's just something I've been thinking about as I'll be 63 when I next see him. Thanks.
Bunty x

I started Infliximab when I was 72 and was very well on it until I became allergic. It was, initially, one of the best thing I have taken. No problem with age and I have never had my age as a reason not to put me on a drug. The NHS must have spent an enormous amount to give me a reasonable quality of life. Unfortunately had a few very bad flares recently so my 'team' are going to meet and see what they can do to improve things. My 'team' cosists of three consultants and at least three specialist nurses. The meeting alone will cost a bomb. Needless to say I say a BIG thank you to the NHS. :ylol2::

hydroxocholoquine 200mg
tamoxifen
Levothyroxine sodiium 125mg
Pentasa 4mg
Methotrexate 25mg
Folic acid tablets
Fentanyl matrices patches 50 mg
Adcal d3 x 2
Paracetamol
Tramadol 50
Buscapon

 

[Bunty]

That's really reassuring, Jeffer, thanks so much for your reply If you don't mind me asking, how old are you now and how long were you on infliximab?
Nice to know the NHS are looking after you, you've probably paid more than enough into it over the years, good to know you're now getting something out when you need it.
I have no complains about the NHS either, I think it's great
Bunty x

 

[Jeffer]

Now 73. I was was sad to have to stop Infliximab but I was on it for about 9 months.

 

[Bunty]

I hope your team can come up with something else now, sounds like you have good support at the hospital.
Bunty x

 

[my little penguin]

Ds was on remicade for 8 months before he had two reactions
But humira has worked well for the past 2.5 years