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Humira versus Methotrexate

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 2/23/2015 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
My regular GI has mentioned both of these as possible next steps since I can't get rid of the blood even though I don't have any other symptoms. I have read a lot about both meds and they both have yukky side effects. Has anyone here taken both and can tell me which one would be their first choice? Right now I am leaning towards methotrexate because it's an older drug and more is known about it, but I am worried about nausea, fatigue & hair loss that are all listed as common side effects. The side effects of Humira that worry me the most are lupus, psoriasis or other skin problems, and vision loss.

I feel perfectly fine right now and am worried that these meds are going to take that away from me. I go for a second opinion at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center on 3/6 so will see what they have to say.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Posted 2/23/2015 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
CC, I am in the same boat as you with Humira or Methotrexate as my next med choices. I am 53 and have not had a surgery yet. My GI, who seems very knowledgeable and also does research on CD, told me that Humira has a better side effect profile than Metho. I was pleasantly surprised when he went along with the idea of taking no meds and just having surgery in the future should I need it. I am avoiding immune suppressants if possible because of a strong family history of cancer. My symptoms at this time are manageable. I do take LDN and high CBD Cannabis oil as I live in a medical MJ state and have a doctor's prescription. Today I am on my last day of six weeks of Enteral Nutrition which has helped symptoms as well. Good luck with your decision, hope whatever treatment you choose works well for you.
Posted 2/23/2015 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm actually on both right now and so far I don't have any issues. I just look at it as a quality of life v.s. possible side effects.
Posted 2/23/2015 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Right now I have an excellent quality of life -- 1-2 formed BMs a day, no pain (other than occasional gas). If not for the blood I would think I was in remission which is why I am having such a difficult time wrapping my head around going on stronger meds. I don't see blood every day, but usually at least 2-3 times a week. It's not hemorrhoids so I assume it's a stubborn bit of inflammation that won't heal. This has been going on since June 2014 though it's not as much blood now as there was then. I am now resigned to having to go on stronger meds to get rid of it because nothing else has been able to get it completely cleared up.
Posted 2/23/2015 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

My son is on both Humira and Methotrexate since November. Early days yet but he seems to be doing well on both with no side effects.

Before he started in November he was having very little symptoms other than occasional blood loss every few months. No pain,formed stool and was feeling well. His Doc who was leaving for another practice was not happy with the blood loss ordered an enteroscopy at which time they found ulceration at his resection site which was not there six months prior to that when he had a colonoscopy the biopsies revealed severe inflammation so he had no other alternative other than moving on to a biologic and the added methotrexate. They were pretty sure a stricture would be in his near future if he stayed on 6mp and Asacol.

Although he was looking and feeling fine on the outside the crohn's was raging away on the inside.

Wishing you luck it is not an easy decision.
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