Remicade/Humira - increase dose or change type of biologic and the role in mucus healing

I'm going to post this on this board as well... Instead of just the UC section as it's important to those with Crohn's

Wasn't sure what the heck to call this post and article link but I think it's really pretty important people on biologics read this - especially those that seem to be no longer responding, having reactions or noticing reduced effectiveness.

www.gastroendonews.com/ViewArticle.aspx?d=In+the+News&d_id=187&i=September+2013&i_id=993&a_id=24025


Looks to me like there's some new tests or ways to interpret current tests to determine if you should really be increasing the dose/infusion frequency or switching to a different tnf blocker.

Important: It also shows that even if you had a great initial response but eventually had adverse reactions you may be able to stop... wait a while and then re-start with a good response.

Anyway I'm actually thinking it's worth taking to your GI to give to them to read.... Just wanted to make sure others read this and maybe interpret it better than I can.

ALSO: It highlights the importance of fixing/healing the mucus barrier. So total restoration being the ultimate goal...

There is a new test to see if you are developing antibodies to Humira by Prometheus. My dr prescribed it for me but my insurance won't cover it. Sigh.

I just had that test done.i am with blue cross and they don't cover it. However, the lab promthius will file the appeal and then limit your max cost to 250 bucks. My GI told me all this as he just meet with rep for the company. The test is considered investigational by most insurance companies, but sometimes hey will approve on appeal.

Anyway, in my case the crohn's is still active with little clinical improvement. The test showed I had the right levels of humira and no antibodies. The GI then Sind no reason to increase dosge and might even stop it. This has occurred on remicade, cimzia and humira. Tysabri might be next. He reminded me that there is still percentage that do not respond to the biologics-like upwards Of 25%. Soon good news for me. Good thing is my symptoms are manageable and I am still working. I just worry everyday that a blockage is I coming.