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Taking Humira and Prednisone at the same time?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/3/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
To those of you on Humira, will your GI prescribe prednisone as needed?  I am currently in a nasty flare, which is bad enough to the point where I would like to do a taper of prednisone to start feeling better, but my GI doesn't want me taking the both as he says it is too much immune suppression.  I am in the process of switching to Remicade, so hopefully that does the trick, but in the mean time there isn't much I can try I guess.  Are there any other short-term meds that have helped you get out of a flare?  The pain is pretty much non-stop and I have a full time job and a 1 year old!
Posted 5/3/2012 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor tries to stay away from high doses of pred, but she's put me on a quick 6 day burst of it recently. I actually feel much worse on pred so I'm not sure if it did much good or not.
Posted 5/3/2012 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Heck, I have been given bursts of prednisone while on Remicade, Humira and now Simponi. The only thing the doctor required was for me to get my WBC checked prior to beginning the prednisone to make sure my count wasn't too low.

Other than the pred, twice I have been prescribed Xifaxin, an antibiotic that is being prescribed by some GIs. For me it worked to curtail the flare.

When your GI said no to the pred, did he offer any other treatment? I personally don't like it when docs leave patients to "just cope" until they can switch to or get approval for a new drug.
Posted 5/3/2012 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've been given prednisone on Humira & other biologics. Every Crohnie I know personally has been on prednisone with their biologic(humira, cimizia, remicade) at least once in their life.

I wouldn't want to be on a huge dose of pred while on a biologic. Maybe he said that because you're at high risk of getting some crazy virus, bacteria etc.
Posted 5/3/2012 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, interesting. I don't think I am high risk to catch anything - I am pretty healthy with the exception of my Crohn's. Maybe he has had a patient in the past who has caught an infection while taking the two, but either way he is not budging. Ides, he has me on Tramadol for the pain, and a few weeks ago when I called in a lot of pain he prescribed me some Percocet. I appreciate the help with the pain, but I am ready to get on something that targets the problem, and I don't want to be on pain pills for too long. I had a MRI last week that ruled out an obstruction or abscess, so it's basically just inflammation that is causing the pain. Can't wait to get going on this Remicade!!
Posted 5/4/2012 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
been on prednisone with wekly humira since october.. we just watch more closely for signs of infection.. although my dr boes not like it, its the only thing working for me at the moment. and he knows that I know the risks and have nealry 30 years of experiance with all this.
Posted 5/4/2012 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on Humira, prednisone and other immunosuppressants. I'm not saying that when I get sick its a walk in the park, or that a cut or bruise doesnt last weeks instead of days, but its really not a big deal. I recommend the flu shot and maybe pneumonia booster if he's that concerned. I really have never heard of a doc that would give pain pills over a steroid.... ??
Posted 5/5/2012 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. If I don't start feeling better in the next couple of weeks I am going to bring up prednisone again. Now that I think of it, when I started Humira a few years ago I was just ending a taper of prednisone and caught the flu and had a break out of cold sores until I was finally off the prednisone - then everything seemed to settle down once I was just taking the Humira. Maybe that is why he is reluctant, although he never mentioned that instance in particular?   My husband and I met with my GI on Thursday, all the paperwork is in to start Remicade, now just waiting on insurance. I am also going to take 6MP with the Remicade. Anyone take these in combination? I also have to meet with a surgeon (which I think is premature, but I guess there is no harm in just meeting with one). My GI suggested that I visit the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland, as he trained there and the doctors/researchers there may have some additional ideas for me to consider. Anyone ever go there? Did you find it beneficial? In general, I really trust my GI's judgment, I think he is up to date on current research, open-minded, accommodating, and approachable. But I guess a 2nd opinion can't HURT?
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