Which to try

[curlywatts]

After having a reaction to azathioprine I have been given a choice of infliximab or adalimhumab.

Just wondered peoples thoughts on which to go for.

Thanks.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Honestly, I think it comes down to personal preference (infusion vs. shot). They're in the same class, they work very similarly, they carry the same risks (other than a higher risk of reaction to remicade due to mouse protein). One may work better than the other for YOU, but you won't know until you try. So would you rather stick yourself every couple weeks, or go get an infusion every couple months?

 

[jlanier]

I agree that it does depend on which you prefer to do. My doc took my age into consideration, and didn't want me to be limited to what i did by having to go to a place to get an infusion, so he put me on humira. He wanted me to be able to travel if i wanted. Plus it takes 10 seconds for the humira versus hours for the remicade. Needless to say, i am a fan of the humira.

 

[Emily]

It's whatever you think will be easier. I prefer Humira cause I can do it in bed before I go to sleep, while with Remicade you'd have to haul yourself over to the hospital. But if you are uncomfortable with sticking yourself with a needle, Remicade might be less stressful since a nurse is in charge of all that for you.
Like Steph said, the drugs are pretty comparable tnf-blockers, so it's your call.

 

[littlemissh]

I shall be starting humira(adalimumab) in the next couple of weeks. My consultant chose it so I can give it myself and don't have to come into hospital for an infusion. I think he knows us crohnies hate being in hospital and spend enough time there as it is.

I like the idea that it is not mouse made so less likely to develop antibodies against it.

Can't tell you what its like to inject or anything...yet. Only took a couple of days for funding to be approved which surprised me.
Good luck and whatever you choose I don't think it makes much difference.

 

[jlanier]

I have been on the humira pen for close to two months, and I personally dont think it's a big deal to inject. I give it to myself in the stomach, and it doesnt seem to hurt.

 

[curlywatts]

Thanks all, :thumright:

If the two drugs are similar then I don't think I would mind injecting myself, and it seems like a time saver as I understand for infliximab I would have to get to the hospital which is over an hour away and spend 2 hours on drip and another 4 hours being observed for side affects.

 

[curlywatts]

Thanks all, :thumright:

If the two drugs are similar then I don't think I would mind injecting myself, and it seems like a time saver as I understand for infliximab I would have to get to the hospital which is over an hour away and spend 2 hours on drip and another 4 hours being observed for side affects.

Seems the choice has been made for me, doc says I have to have infliximab.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Good luck! It's working really well for me already. I've only had one infusion. I don't mind laying in a hospital bed being waited on (you can even order food where I get it done) while I get my mouse juice.

 

[curlywatts]

Glad to hear it is working.