Replacement for methotrexate?

[Maya142]

Is there something my daughter can take to prevent the formation of anti-bodies while on Remicade? She is on methotrexate now but it makes her really sick. We've tried everything - lowering the dose (from 25mg to 12.5mg), folic acid, zofran but she still is nauseous and dizzy all weekend.

We know that she needs something to prevent antibodies because Humira stopped working after 2 years because of that (or so her drs believe - we never tested for Humira antibodies) and she got stuck in year-long flare that we just could not get under control. I don't want her to be back in that situation but she is SO miserable all weekend from methotrexate, it breaks my heart!

Are there any other drugs that work like methotrexate?

 

[my little penguin]

6-mp or Imuran

 

[Maya142]

Do you know if that would help joint pain as well as Crohn's?

 

[CrohnsKidMom]

Hi Maya, We were prescribed Ondansetron while my son is on MTX injections. It is an anti-nausea often prescribed to cancer patients on chemo.

My son tried Imuran before MTX, but could not tolerate it. I don't remember the GI ever mentioning either drug being beneficial for bone and joint pain. Sorry!

My sister-in-law is a rehab consultant and she sees a lot of claimants on MTX who have similar complaints about the drug-nausea, dizziness, even problems cognitively. So, you're not alone, if that's any consolation...

 

[Clash]

Is she on oral doses of methotrexate or the injections? The pills tend to cause more side effects than the injections since they go through the digestive system. There are a number of members that have switched to injection due to that.

Like MLP said 6MP or Imuran would be the others that help against antibodies but I'm not certain about there effectiveness with joint pain.

 

[Maya142]

CrohnsKidMom- I believe zofran and Ondansetron are the same thing. It helps my daughter but not enough. Did Imuran cause nausea for your son? I don't want to try something else if it's going to have the same side effects.

Clash- She is doing the injections. In fact, last week she was brave enough to give herself the injection, even though she hates them (because of the side effects, they don't really hurt). I was so proud!

I guess I will add Imuran/ 6MP to my list of questions for her next appointment with the GI...

 

[Sascot]

My son takes the 6mp and so far has never had nausea with it (again, every child seems so different). Hope your daughter feels better soon!

 

[CrohnsKidMom]

Hi Maya, kudos to your daughter for doing her own injections! It is a huge source of anxiety for my son, and it is me doing the injecting.

Imuran did not cause nausea for my son, but it elevated his liver enzymes, and gave him crazy-high fevers each night within several hours of taking it. The GI didn't think Imuran would cause fevers, but he allowed me to hold it one night and bingo, no fever. Of course, many people do not have a reaction, so it is definitely worth investigating if your daughter is having such a tough time with MTX.