HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Anyone go from biologics back to conventional meds?

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/21/2012 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
I am contemplating biologics for the first time. Anyone out there go from biologics back to conventional meds? I am petrified of the nasty side effects and would like to possible use them during pregnancy to ensure that I am healthy to carry. I don't want to stay on them more than I have to. I have had pretty mild disease for the most part, but too much stress has sent me into a flare that I can't control and my doc says it is time for biologics.

Thanks!
Posted 2/21/2012 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
Actually, I have gone from Remicade back to sulfasalazine & Immuran. I had antibodies to the Remicade or I'd still be on it as it was best at controling all my symptoms (I have CD throughout my GI tract). I've been on and off the immuran because of dropping my WBC count a couple of times, but it seems to be holding as of now (fingers crossed).

There are a couple of ladies on here who have been on biologics during pregnancy, they might be able to offer more advice.
Posted 2/22/2012 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks!
Posted 2/22/2012 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
I had been on Humira then Cimzia for several years when my disease was out of control. Nothing but biologics worked to stop my bleeding. Cimzia was a great drug for me and I had no side effects from it that I am aware of. Unfortunately, after a few years on each of these drugs, I no longer responded to them so I incorporated some natural products such as probiotics, slippery elm, fish oil, vitamin D and bee propolis ( as needed) with my prescription meds of Lialda and Rowasa. I have been doing well on this combination. I even managed to ward of a flare without Prednisone last week by temporarily increasing my Rowasa, fish oil, vitamin D and slippery elm for a few days.

Good luck with everything!
Posted 2/22/2012 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
ufnurse - what nasty side effects are you worried about? I know it's scary when you're contemplating a med you've never tried before. You have to read all the data, which is enough to scare the poo out of anyone, but the reality is- the side effects, if any, are mild for most people and the other risks (lymphoma) are VERY low. I would say that the benefits far outweigh the risks. But that is easy for me to say since I have been on biologics since 1999.

In my experience, I have found that the biolgics work better and do less damage to me than the immunosuppressors like Imuran/6MP/Methotrexate.

Good luck in making your decision. I hope your experience with biologics is a good one!
Posted 2/24/2012 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all for the info. I guess I am most scared of being dependent on biologicals and running out of the next drug to go to. It is all a balancing act and it stinks. I just feel that it is like Pandoras box. I am strongly considering biologics, but think of my young family if I have side effects. I am side effect queen. At the same time I know I want to be healthy for my son so that I can play with him, be with him...
Posted 2/28/2012 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
tsitodawg-

Thanks for you input. I do think about the future all the time...what meds will work, where do you go next. I am trying to make a well informed decision, because I know my future and my fellow Crohn's folks is uncertain path. I actually did two studies on an anti TNF, GMCSF. I had the worst reactions, my leg had hot spots the size of grapefruits which were painful and made it difficult to walk. That was my first introduction to injectables. When I got off the study I got really sick and got an opportunistic infection. That is why I am so hesitant. What reaction will I get. I have been hospitalized for severe reactions where my skin started peeling off like a burn victim. So it's not without great consideration that I choose the next path of medications.

I am so grateful for all the info from everyone. Thanks!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply