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Humira never seemed to work

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/9/2009 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I've had Crohn's for the last 19 years (diagnosed when I was 14) and I'm looking for some advise. I had been on Remicade for the last 8 years (2000 - 2008) with great results. My disease was in remission and life was good. Last November the Remicade began losing it's effectiveness. My GI tried all the standard drugs (Prednisone, Immuran, Pentasa, Entocort?) with only the Prednisone being somewhat effective. I have also developed Anemia which I'm taking Iron for. I'm not sure if it's the Humira or my situation, but my insurance company screwed up and treated my loading dose as my regular maintenance dose, so I got the loading dose in June and then fought with my insurance for two months with no meds and finally started receiving my maintenance dose in August (every other week). It now appears that the Humira isn't working. I'm still on the Prednisone and my disease is still very active. I've been fortunate to be surgery free, and I'd like to stay that way as long as possible. My Crohn's is primarily in my colon. Has anyone else had similar issues? If so, how were they resolved or what medications did they try next? I have an appointment with my GI next week and would like to discuss some options. Thanks!
Posted 10/9/2009 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Are you seeing any benefit at all from Humira? They say that sometimes Humira can take a while to start working. I'm sure other people on the board will chime in and tell you how long it can take Humira to work. I've heard people also say that Humira and Remicade are very similar, and so if Remicade stops working for you, then, it's likely that Humira won't work for you either. The other anti-TNF agent that has been approved for Crohn's, is Cimzia, and lots of people here claim success with it. So, that's probably what's next in terms of meds. If that fails, I believe there is another biologic called Tysabri (originally developed for multiple sclerosis), but it was associated with 2 rare cases of PML, and so is only used I think if patients fail all other therapies.

Other than that, the only thing I can think of is perhaps some diet modifications (which I'm sure you've already been doing, given that you've had crohn's for 19 years), perhaps giving the SCD a shot. Also, probiotics if you aren't taking them already can probably help (SCD yogurt, + VSL3 maybe).

I hope you'll find relief soon. Hang in there.

PV
Posted 10/9/2009 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
It's probably too early to say. As PV said, Humira can take several months to kick in enough for it to help you. Maybe prednisone + Imuran or a similar double-barreled approach would be in order. At least it's something to talk to your GI about.

Best of luck.
Posted 10/9/2009 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Humira & Cimzia are similar to Remicade. So, it's highly possible it won't work, but you certainly have to try. I was actually told 30 days for Humira to show SOME improvement (obviously not all). I unfortunately had a reaction that was confirmed after loading dose 2.
Posted 10/9/2009 12:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have had SOME benefit from Humira, but nothing like Remicade. I am still bleeding and have very low energy. I had my loading dose in June which seemed to help, but then went two months before the insurance would send the next dose. I've been been taking 40mg every other week. Thanks PV for the recommendation on the SCD diet. I'll definitely take a look at it and I just happened to order my first dose of VSL3 yesterday. I hope I can experience some relief. I'll definitely talk to my GI about the Cimzia. Thanks for the reply's!
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