Methotrexate and Infliximab

SKR

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2007

Posts : 42

Posted 3/18/2009 5:01 PM (GMT 0)

I have been on methotrexate for a good eight years but it had to be stopped because of the nausea I was experiencing. I have also been taking Infliximab for nearly two year in November... I'm a little annoyed! Today I went for my first infusion after stopping the methotrexate at which point they decide to inform me that the infliximab may lose its effectiveness - something that they had not metnioned to me beforehand. I suppose now I'm just a little concerned that I've made a mistake - I don't what symptoms return at the expense of no nausea. I just wondered if this has happened to anyone? Has their Crohns been affected by stopping the methotrexate but continuing solely on Infliximab?

Just wish they had told me this before..lol

Experiences appreciated! :)

SKR. Diagnosed aged 10. Crohns colitis and arthritis

caroline_r

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 94

Posted 3/18/2009 7:02 PM (GMT 0)

They tend to give methotrexate and azathioprine/6MP because it slows down the making of anti-bodies to infliximab/adalimumab. That's the problem :( I don't think you've made a mistake quitting methotrexate because 8 years is a really long time on such a powerful drug! But that's just me...

A lot of people whether on infliximab alone or infliximab with methotrexate, azathioprine, etc. tend to develop anti-bodies within a year. So a 2-year period on it with no symptoms is great! So maybe you won't feel a big change after all. I'd tell you to try azathioprine if you get worse now that you're off methotrexate but because of the increased risk of developing a lymphoma you can only take azathioprine for 6 months while on infliximab. But then again, 6 months is a lot!

How long have you been symptoms free?

Hope my answer helps...

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