Diagnosed with Crohn's last week

The doctor described my symptoms as "mild" and he wants me to take 6mp with Humira soon. I thought that Humira was only supposed to be used if other therapies didn't work? Is it ok to have Humira as the initial drug to treat a mild case of Crohns?

CCFA and the government websites say "It is used for people with moderately to severely active disease who have not responded well to other therapies". Should I be trying a more light weight method first?

Post Edited By Moderator (Nanners) : 6/4/2011 8:47:25 AM (GMT-6)

I would agree with kazbern... might be worth a 2nd opinion... if it's "mild", might want to see about starting something with less side effects.... it's hard to go backwards in treatment.... lots to think about... but 2nd opinions never hurt. I am now in a drug trial and one woman there jumped right to the trial- she didn't even try Remicade, Humira etc... only prednisone... but she didn't seek the 2nd opinion.... I always would. Good luck.

JUst say what about 5ASA? pentasa, salofalk, etc) Let him know you here they work very well oftren in mild crohns. Makes more sens if its mild to start slow and work yoru way up as needed

My GI told me that it's always advisable to try every possible medication available before biologics, as often people can find remission with a simple combination of a 5ASA and something like 6mp or Imuran. I'd advise you to seek a second opinion.

I was given Humira first too. I was confused too because I read the same thing you did. But I asked my doctor and since I had had 3 fistulas and 4 abscesses. He said that bumped me up to the biologics.

those drugs are very powerful for "mild" crohns. iimho, start with diet first. give that a chance. this way you can skip the side effects of medicine that are just evil and cause a whole host of other problems to deal with. seriously check out the makers diet and the specific carbohydrate diet. they are extreme and intimidating, but once you do it and make it a habit and realize how easy it is and notice the improvement in every aspect of your life that comes from finally eating properly, you'll stick with it. it happened to me and others. it is not a cure all but it can help immensely and hopefully either keep you off meds or on only mild maintenance dose instead of immunosuppressants and biologics. diet is way easier. dont find out the hard way like i did. i implore you to try this first. it could be a world of difference in your life, no matter what others or doctors say. being newly diagnosed is the best time to try it, especially if symptoms are mild. meds do have their place, but why use them right away when you have better natural options? just my suggestion.