Remicade and Humira

I switched from Remicade to Humira, because the Remicade was loosing effectiveness. As far as the risk of Remicade compared to Humira, they are going to be pretty similar I believe. The Humira is controlling my small bowel crohn's. The only huge difference I noticed is how fast it works. Remicade worked right away for me because it is IV where as Humira will take a few months to start working since it is not. But for me once it took effect it does a great job of maintaining my symptoms. My opinion is that you should switch sooner as suppose to later, if you know that Remicade is just not doing it anymore then why wait until it looses all effectiveness and you end up in a really bad place. You are going to have to wait for the Humira took work 100% and you don't want to be in a bad place waiting for that. Does that makes sense?

Best of luck!

If you get the pen, you don't even see the needle. It is so quick, over in 5 seconds, much faster then IV's and blood work! Yes it is a bit different when you are the one doing it, but really you get use to it. You don't have to do it in just your gut, many people including myself do it in our legs. Also if you have some willing to help you they can do the injections as well if that is something you may feel for more comfortable with.

I totally understand that, but what you might go through as a result of not taking that step could put you in a worst position and suffering. Just something us people with Crohn's always have to keep in mind..unfortunately.

I didn't have a choice to get off Remicade. During infusions I would have difficulty breathing and would have to stop and take a few puffs on an inhaler. Also would end up with hives and need to get some Benerdryl. Once Humira was offered to Crohn's patients, my GI doctor and my Rheumatologist had me try it. Humira not only helped with my Crohn's but also helped relieve the joint pains. The pen is real easy to give to yourself. I alternate between my upper thighs. First I take my pen out of the refrigerator for @ 1/2 hour. While it is sitting on the counter I ice the injection site. There is some pain but it is tolerable. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Javajay, do you have someone who would be willing to go to the docs with you and learn how to inject it for you? If not, then I would agree the pens might be a good option for you. I feel your pain, I hate needles too. I am lucky I have my hubby here, and he injects my B vitamin shots I take. Good luck buddy!

Hey bloated I just wanted to tell you we have many mommies on this forum who have used meds from Pred, 6mp/Imuran, Remicade and Humira. No need to go off your meds, unless you are on Methotrexate. And since you have Crohns, you should always be on meds as this is a chronic and incurable bowel disease. Hugs!

I have taken both Remicade and Humira.
Remicade June 2010- Dec 2010
Humira Jan 2011-
I'm currently on Humira, and in my opinion I liked Remicade better. I really shouldn't say that thou because it stopped working. On Humira now and I already have to push it on to one shot a week, and now I'm on two shots a week (on my way to Cimzia)
The reason I liked Remicade is:
-I felt better immediately. Like the next day I felt a brand new person. The only thing with Remicade is the time spent at the infusion office.

Also, they say that those you build up tolerance for Remicade, usually don't do well on Humira.
One more point I'd like to make. I'm not knocking Humira. I'm sure Humira works for some. But, someone should not get discourage from the needle. ITS NOT THAT BAD. Yes it hurts, but its not a debilitating pain. Also, I'm a real $%^&* about needles (never look when they do blood, IV, feel faint etc.) and I have no problem shooting myself. I actually feel more confident when I the one administering the shot.
I hope my "rant" has help.
All all is well soon.
Best wishes,
Kim