Remicade vs Humira vs Cimzia

My husband is on remicade. From what I understand, Remicade has mouse proteins in it that can cause you to build up antibodies to it, and react badly to it. However, Remicade is the first biologic that came on the market, and there's most data available on it. Before my husband went on Remicade (before Cimzia was available on the market), I asked his GI about Humira, and he said he would prefer for my hubby to first try remicade, since it had the most data behind it (been out the longest).

Some doctors prefer to use the oldest -> newest order for trying biologics. Remicade, then Humira, then Cimzia. I think this is what my husband's GI would prefer.

Convenience also matters. My husband doesn't seem to mind the 3 hours or more it takes to get the remicade infusion at the infusion center. He schedules it for a Friday, and takes the weekend to recover. Normal remicade infusion is once every 8 weeks. Some prefer to do it at home, and save time - Humira is usually every 2 weeks, and Cimzia is an injection once a month I think.

Another thing to look at is what your out of pocket cost would be. My husband pays $40 co-pay for his remicade infusion. In actuality, his remicade costs less than the Lialda and Canasa he has to take (those two together come to about $50 a month). So find out how much you'd pay out of pocket for each.

In terms of side effects, they all pretty much carry the same. Remicade I think has more potential for allergic reactions (I think). I hope these work for you. Remicade has worked well for my husband so far (knock on wood).

PV

I was on Remicade for a year and a half and built up resistance to it, but my brothers been on it for just as long and he has had no problems to it. I have recently switched to Humira, my GI doctor said that others that see him are very happy with Humira and they have't had any build up a resistance to it because its humanized. Personally I feel more comfortable putting something in my body that is humanized compared to mouse protein.

Its all really up to the individual and what their body can handle, because even between my brother and I things are very different.

Good luck!

I don't recomend remicade i was on it for a year and few months i didnt have problems while i was on it but the disease was affecting my intestines, i had to do the surgery :( but i feel a lot better if i knew i was going to feel this good i would it done long time ago. Currently im on cimzia 400mg once a month just couple shots and im done ( not like remicade 4hrs to complete the treatment)

I've been on Cimzia and Humira. They both worked fabulously, but for some reason, I had severe psychological side effects with Humira (a very rare reaction).

Cimzia has been a God-send. I was concerned that I would respond the same way I did to the Humira, but I've had no side effects (except for a little but of fatigue the next day). It even started working 3 days after my first loading dose. I've gotten my life back.
My doctor has me do one shot every other week so I don't get the peaks and valleys that come with doing two shots once a month.

I love the convenience of doing shots at home and on my own time. Also, they don't hurt at all. Humira stings a lot when it's going in, but I don't feel anything with the Cimzia.

 Thanks Viv-I'm feeling a little bit down today. I've been feelingkinda nauseated for a few days and I was feeling so good. I don't know if I told you or not, but I do now have pre-existing liver conditions, but my Gastro-Doc has said over this past year, that they have been within normal range. I go back in Feb2011 and get them re-done and make a decision at that point if I want to start Humiria. I don't know if I should suggest to him that Cimizia. And i don't feel comfortable with giving the shots to myself at home!! What do you think about the pre-existing liver conditions, should I take that medicine? I'm kinda of afraid of liver failure at thhis point. Please Help I need some advice!!! Thanks alot--Silvergriz

I've been on all 3.

Started with Remicade, worked amazingly for 2 years and built antibodies to it. No side effects and I loved the every X weeks thing.

Went to Humira, got another 2 great years before it's effectiveness ended. Only side effect was some hair loss - only noticeable to me. The shots hurt, but they were worth it. I just dreaded them.

Then went to Cimzia. Damage was too bad at that point to avoid surgery so had my resection and ended up back on Cimzia since my disease is active again. It works GREAT for my arthritis - almost immediately - but am not showing huge signs of the disease heading towards remission but there is still time. Shot doesn't hurt. I take one every 2 weeks, just like Humira, not once a month.

I went in that order because it was what was available at the time. Every GI has their preference on order, though. For me, all the potential side effects didn't compare to the amazingly quality of life I had on each drug.

Good luck in your decision!

 Thanks Guys for the up-date on the Remicade, Humiria and Cimiza. But I guess my main concern would be the pre-existing liver conditions. I do have a chronic mild phosphtase level but I guess no concern from my Gastro-Doc at this po0int. But I do have a concern because of the pre-existing liver condition!! Does anybody out there have that same situation or fear? Just don't know whether or not I should be taking anything at this point!! Thanks a million--Silvergriz

 Thanks Wolfie, but like I said I'm kinda at a stand-still here cause I've had Crohns for about 10years now and no surgery. But I have developed pre-existing liver conditons since 2007. Do you think Humiria would be save for me to take with those pre-existing liver conditions? I sure would appreciate any adive you could give me. I tried calling the drug company and they really couldn't give me any additional info on it as I guess there has been any studies indicating any elevation in liver ensymes. I'm confused as to what to do!! Pleas Help!! Thanks alot!! Silvergriz

I vote Humira, or Cimzia.
I filled out the application for Humira, and fedex brings it to my door every 3 months, I don't pay anything for it.

I take Humira once a week, I use the pens. Going from every two weeks, to every week, all that took was a prescription from my doctor, and a phone call to schedule delivery.

It takes me about 2 minutes, from fridge to sharps container.

Now is the time to apply. They start taking applications in December for the upcoming year. If you apply now, and you are approved, you won't have to apply again until December 2011. The new year starts over in January.

Below is an application.

www.abbottpatientassistancefoundation.org/pdf/HUMIRA_PAP_Form.pdf

Remicade was, and still is too expensive for me.

Cimzia is next on my list, when Humira stops working.

Take Care

Thanks Becoming undone-- I got this extra manifestation I guess they call it, from my Crohns, and I guess that started in 2008. I never had a biopsy done, but I know I have either the starts of cirhossis or that PSC, and eventually a person will have to have a transplant. How long does your Doctor say you can live with this disease without a transplant? I'm just wondering. I've hand Crohns for about 10years now and no surgery, and this is the 2nd Gastro Doc I've been too. I just hope that when the do the liver ensymes in Feb it'll still show within normal limits and make that decision on taking that drug Humria. Do you have Crohns too or do you have something else that contributed your liver disease? I'm so sorry for the questions but I pretty scared right now!!. How long have you had the liver disease and have you been on the drug very long? I sure would appreciate anymore info you can give me. I started taking Probotics again which is supposed to help your intestinal tract, of course my Doc says there would not be any benefit to taking it. I have been going to a Health Food Store for quite awhile now, and the one nice lady said if you have Crohns especially, you definitely need Probotics!!! Sorry again for such a long story. It's nice to correspond with someone that is going through the same thing!! Silvergriz

 To Becoming undone--Thanks alot for responding so quickly. It's a nice feeling to be able to talk to someone like yourself that is going thru the same thing. My husband thinks it's all in my head and said if it was serious my Doctor would have me in the hospital. My Gastro Doc has said that over the past year my liver ensymes have been normal(bilirubin) and alka-phosphtase is minimally elevated. He siad because of that, he felt there was no reason to have a liver biopsy and go routing around in there when there is no reason to. I know both of my parents had cirrohiss of the liver but they were both heavy drinkers. I wonder what the difference is between cirrohiss and PSC is as they are both serious liver disease and there is no cure unless younhave a liver transplant. But I know if my Dad wouldn't have drank likenhe did, he probably would have lived alot longer than he did!! If your Doc has you on Cimiza, with your liver condtion as well, does he feel did you say that may help that too? I'm sure if your Doc is any good, he should be watching you real close on your liver ensymes. I lost my job in June of this year and had to go on Cobra Insurance but can only be on that for a year unless I go on disability and that can only be extended for about 24months. I'm sure if a person like you or me need a liver transplant and without adequate insurance and alot of money down, they probably wouldn't consider you!! What do you think on that matter. I'm only 59 and I certainly don't want to croak yet that's for sure. Do you think Humiria would be a good thing for me? it sounds like it might be worth a try. I sure hope my dear that you have a good support system!! I think that is very important!! If I ever had to travel to a big city I'm sure my husband would go and hopefully there could be enough money raised when the time would come, for me to be able to have one. I know there is alot of stuff that goes into something like that plus having to get on the transplant list, all the paper work and blood work and whatever else you might have to do!! Who would think you or I would end up with this disease!! Crohns is bad enough as it is!! Do you work or are you a stay at home MOM? It's pretty depressing for me to be out of work, but I just finished taking a computer class at our local college and I was feeling good there for awhile-a few months, and for the past week or so I've just haven't felt that great and now this time of year I get kinda depressed!! I would be willing to e-mail back and forth if you want or we can keep in touch this way. I'm going to have to start writing a book!!(haha) Do you know if Humira helps Fistulas or strictures. I think my Doc said there was a 50-65% chance of it helping. Those odds don't see very good!! Do you take any kind of Vitamin Supplements or anything else? My Doc said I should be taking Calclium since I also have osteopenia. I know if a person has liver disease as well, you have to watch what you take I guess. Take care of yourself and let me know from time to time how you are doing!! Hope you have  Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!! Silvergriz

 To Becoming undone--Thanks for the reply. As I;m writing this I'm in tears. I really haven't felt good for about a week now and I'm so scared right now. The only insurance I'm on is my Cobra from my last job and that's only going to last till next Dec. and then I'm on my own and If I have to go on disability it'll only extend it for 24moths total. If I ended up having a liver transplant because of this, I just don't know if my insurance w0ould cover it and I'm sure you would have a pretty high-copay. (Dec.2011) I wanted to go on my huaband's insurance, but it was almost $500.00 additional to put me on. If that were to happen to me with my liver and my insurance ran out-would they give me a new liver without any kind of insurance? I don't think Medicaid would cover anything like that!! Any suggestions? If you are having liver problems, why would your Doctor put you on any drug at all? Maybe some of them help I don't know. I also for the last few months have had numbness and tingling on the bottom of my feet. I don't know if somehow that can also be related to Crohns. Thanks any suggestions would help!!