Infliximab/Humira??

[Hann]

Not a happy post for my 1st one! But need some advice.....
A few days ago I went and seen my consultant, She told me that I had two options, 1st option is infliximab/humira and 2nd is surgery! For me right now surgery isnt an option if there are other treatments out there that help. But the thing is I've look at both infliximab and humira and im at a loss, because it seems very severe? Is there anything elce I should try before I start this?
Im on Azathioprine & Pentasa, I also took a course of prednisolone about two years ago. For me I feel the consultants I see dont specialize in crohn's, so im not sure if there information is general... I hope to speak to the consultant about it again next week but I just wondered if there is anything I could say to them that I should try first? & is there any differance in infliximab and humira?
advice would be greatly appreciated x

 

[Trysha]

Hello Hann
Welcome to the forum.
Strangely enough I am facing the same choice as you.
When I asked my GI which he would opt for as a patient he unhesitatingly said"Remicade"
so for what its worth I will pass it on to you.
There are reports stating that Remicade is good when there are stricures and fistulas.
There is a section on the forum where people on thse two drugs share their experiences, you may find this helpful to review.
Remicade is a chimeric preparation of human and mouse cytokine..
Humira is from human only cytokine.
Don't be put off by the mouse connection,the cytokine will have been carefully refined.
There are examples of other animal products being used in medicine such as the tetanus toxoid, and various antitoxins which come from horse serum.
All these products are very carefuly refined purified and made ready for human use..
If push comes to shove I will be opting for Remicade, which is an infusion given every two months.
Humira is by injection weekly, usually self administered after initial introduction.
It is a difficult decision to make. The treatment can give remarkable results though.
Feel better soon.
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[Irene3]

Iv had influximab and it didn't work for my crohns. Only just started humira so within 3 months, hopefully there will be less diharea ect. Iv read great things about humira, but if you feel you should try something else, maybe ask about 6mp. So you've only had 1 course of pred for a flare 2 years ago? Did it help your flare then? If so, your gi hasn't suggested trying a course before surgery? Also, isn't pantasa for mild crohns? If so, why on pantasa....as for remicade or humira, read the treatment subforum, and speak to your gi, to ask which he thinks may be better for your crohns. Best wishes xo

 

[rygon]

I started on pentasa and aza, when that didn't work I had the same options as you. I went for infliximab and its been amazing. I'd definitely recommend it

 

[Grumbletum]

Me too. I was on Prednisolone and Azathioprine, but still having problems, so my GI referred me to a surgeon thinking I needed resection surgery. The surgeon and another GI advised me to try Infliximab. Three infusions put me into remission, and they discontinued the Infliximab, but I stay on the Azathioprine. So far so good!

 

[NancyHany]

I'm faced by the same decision you are facing, actually posted a thread about it. after a lot of thinking and reading, I think I will eventually try Remicade.