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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/29/2017 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
I was at my yearly check up with the GS and my last CT showed that the crohns was very active throughout my bowels. It was also confirmed recently that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. I have only been on Pentasa since diagnosed with crohns and the odd dose of cipro and flagel for flare ups. So I thought it was odd that the doctor decided to take me right to Humira...I am still in the screening process and it has not been approved just yet. But the more I think about it, with the active crohn's, the ankyl spondylitis, and my anal fistula's this is probably the best move. Can any one tell me the most common side effect they have seen when starting Humira, and if the jump to this treatment seems normal? Thanks
Posted 8/31/2017 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
jfist1, I think the going straight to the Humira is more common now versus a few years ago. as long as its been used now by thousands of people, they have a better idea that it will work. with each set of new drugs coming out is a result of the older ones not doing a good job. some drs thinking is , why do these older drugs and treatment regimens that don't work as well and let the disease progress further, so lets hit it with something that has a proven tract record that may be higher than previous drugs and try and stop the damage now. its all about the inflammation. the more and longer inflammation is active the more damage is done to the intestinal wall.

if you/dr don't see much improvement in a few months, you may be switched to the next drug. I think at least many years ago in my case, waiting a long time to see changes may have made my crohns worse. but then there were really only 2 drugs for it, now there are many. and with these newer drugs it seems if they are going to work , it works sooner rather than later, so they know not to waste time and money keeping you on something that is not working for you.may work for the next person , but not well for you.



hope you find something quickly and that it works very well for ya! randy
Posted 8/31/2017 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on Remicade, a sister medication to Humira, and I have not experienced any side effects from it despite being on it for 3.5 years now.

Some report general fatigue after they've taken their medication but usually nothing all that serious or concerning. These medications do slightly weaken your immune system's abilities to fight off infections, specifically those infections that typically require antibiotics to treat (UTI's, bronchitis, sinus infections, etc.), so if you are prone to getting those, then seek treatment earlier as it will hit harder and faster than your normal. You might be sick an extra time a year, and it might last a little longer and be a little more severe than your normal (a cold that would normally last a week might last several extra days and you might have an extra day of worse symptoms).

I haven't been sick any more than my normal, I'm just extra vigilant with hand washing during cold and flu season, as they're mostly transmitted via handshakes, door handles, person-to-person.
Posted 8/31/2017 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I think it makes perfect sense, it should help with the Crohns as well as the AS. I have been on Humira since December and haven't experienced any side effects with the exception of injection site reaction - it sometimes swells a little and itches. I started at bi-weekly but moved to weekly after a scope confirmed some lingering inflammation. Best of luck to you!
Posted 9/7/2017 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Humira for nine months. For the first three or four injections I felt like I had a mild case of the flu for a few days . After that I had no side effects until about the eight month mark, then had leg muscle ache and severe fatigue. Colonoscopy determined that Humira was not reducing my inflammation at all so have switched to Remicade. No side effects yet but have only had two doses.
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