Safety profiles compared to biologics?

[wduk]

As per the title, do these medications typically have better safety profiles compared to biologics when it comes to side effects etc?

Trying to decide what i should choose for maintenance once i get into remission, to be honest none seem like a good choice given the side effects lol.

I prefer to do a bottom up approach so these medications seem likely a better choice to start than biologics but not if their side effects are worse.

I am in the UK so i don't know which versions will have access too.

 

[my little penguin]

Side effects listed are potential side effects not what most folks get
Aza /imuran/6-mp has a high risk of lymphoma when used alone or in combination
As well as low sperm count for men
Not sure on women since my son took it at age 7.
It can cause liver issues quickly so they monitor that closely
It never help my kiddo but did cause liver issues so he had to stop it quickly

it also can cause pancreatitis

I assume in the uk you have to fail lower level drugs first similar to US since cost is always a consideration on what is approved .

my kiddo has been on biologics for 10 years (remicade humira and now Stelara) no issues

they won’t use imuran in kids any more due to lymphoma risk

 

[Bufford]

It depends, people are unique and not everyone responds well to treatments. I've had some bad reactions from many of the treatments including biologics. Some problems show up right away, others show up over time. You will have to decide what works for you. I am a firm believer of the bottom up approach using the least amount of medication to control Chrons.
What I also find from many treatments are the side effects that reduce quality of life such as fatigue, skin problems, hair loss, and a general sense of poor feeling. I look towards quality of life as opposed to quantity, and its a careful balance. In my condition I'd rather live without drug induced side effects after my treatment experiences.
For my condition following a strict diet, avoiding any kind of hard fibers such as apple skins or uncooked vegetables, sugar, and fats work well. Eating several smaller meals thought the day instead of three larger ones, and controlling stress. Keep in shape, going for walks etc. all help to keep the body and immune system healthy.
Life style changes can do a lot to help.

 

[wduk]

Aza /imuran/6-mp has a high risk of lymphoma when used alone or in combination

Doesn't biologics also provide lymphoma risks?

 

[my little penguin]

The water is very muddy there since the studies done on biologics were on folks who failed other meds first -including aza/6-mp etc…
And in the beginning of biologics a lot of folks were given immunosuppressants including aza/6-mp to reduce the risk of antibody formation to the biologic
So it’s hard to tell
I do know for kids at least most ped Gi will not prescribe aza/6-mp anymore due to high lymphoma risk
But will prescribe methotrexate and biologics

 

[wduk]

The water is very muddy there since the studies done on biologics were on folks who failed other meds first -including aza/6-mp etc…
And in the beginning of biologics a lot of folks were given immunosuppressants including aza/6-mp to reduce the risk of antibody formation to the biologic
So it’s hard to tell
I do know for kids at least most ped Gi will not prescribe aza/6-mp anymore due to high lymphoma risk
But will prescribe methotrexate and biologics

Interesting, thanks for the information