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Remicade vs Humira

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/6/2010 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
After suffering with a Crohns flare for the past 3 mos, my GI said he wanted to start me on Remicad. After finding out that no one in my small town could(would) administer it, he said that I could go on Humira. All of this has been done on the phone with his staff because he is 100 miles away. I am on Medicare and have found out that Humira is considerably cheaper. I don't understand why GI's seem to start everyone off on Remicad at a higher cost when the two drugs seem to work in the same way. Does anyone have an opinion if Remicad in a better choice? I could find a way to drive the 100 miles to get the treatment if it were in my best interest. I go down Monday to have a colonoscopy and endoscopy. So by the end of next week the final decision will be made. Thanks in advance for your in put.

Post Edited By Moderator (Nanners) : 1/6/2010 1:56:49 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/6/2010 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
I think that Remicade is often suggested first because it has a longer track record for treating CD. I chose to try Humira first, my doc thought they were pretty equal and I liked the idea of administering myself a couple of shots vs having to go to an infusion center for hours at a time for Remicade.

Unfortunately, neither really worked for me for various reasons. Hope you have better luck with whichever you choose.
Posted 1/6/2010 7:46 PM (GMT 0)

I had allergic reactions to Remicade, so it scares me now, but many people are able to take it fine.  My rheumy said her RA patients see more response from Remicade than Humira, but as far as Crohn's goes, I don't know the statistics and everyone is different anyway.  Humira is SO much more convenient and is also cheaper for most people, I think.  But, yes, they have many more years experience with Remicade and usually try that one first. 

Both put/kept the gut aspect of my Crohn's in remission but neither have helped enough with the arthritis.  Either one you choose to start with, there is a good chance you will try the other one at some point anyway, so do what your doctor thinks is best and what you are comfortable with, and what you can afford.

Posted 1/6/2010 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I would go with Humira so much easier.
Have tried both there is also more change that you will get a reaction from Remicade
Posted 1/6/2010 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
I actually brought up Remicade to my doc.  He was thinking Humira but I hate needles and the thought of sticking myself scared me.  I also have bad reactions to drugs and I wanted something where there is help available.  Needles to say...we went with Remicade.  If I have a reaction, help is right there.  I don't have to stick myself and I can live with someone putting in the IV. 

I can see where you are coming from Southern Lady.  It does make more sense from an economical point to go with Humira.  I personally wanted to go with Remicade and was happy with the result until last week.  I think it is more of a personal choice.

Posted 1/6/2010 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
The cost depends on your insurance, too. Under one doctor, I actually paid less for Remicade infusions than I did for a box of Humira (which didn't last as long as an infusion lasted).

Remicade has been around longer, studied longer. Remicade worked better for me than Humira. For some, they can't handle doing shots on their own and an IV therapy is better for them. Also, I didn't have to think about a weekly shot while on Remicade. Every 6-12 weeks, I put aside a morning for an infusion and didn't have to worry about it again. It was sorta nice.

You can respond to Remicade, but not to Humira, or respond to Humira but not to Cimzia. They aren't all the same drug so people often have to try one (or all!) to get the right fit.
Posted 1/6/2010 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Remicade for 2 years, but I am noticing that it is losing it's efficacy. I was diagnosed with Crohn's at 12 years old (now 36) and have been on everything you can imagine - prednisone, imuran, buedesonide, methotrexate, and so on. I've had 2 surgeries as well. I'm starting to worry about long term quality of life...
After an infusion, I don't feel 'better' for about a week, and then I feel symptomatic again a few weeks before my next infusion.

I'm worried about stopping Remicade and trying something new, as I think I'm running out of drugs to try. While I don't feel fantastic on Remicade, it's managable. Any success stories from Humira?
Posted 1/7/2010 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I chose humira because it was easier then sitting for 3-4 hours especially when I need to work. I've done the first set of loading doses and so far so good.
Posted 1/7/2010 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your comments. I do see that it is a choice. I am going ahead with Humira. Believe that I can handle the shots myself, it is cheaper for me and I w ill not have to drive 2 hours each way for the Remicad infusion. I really do appreciate all your input.
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