Saw my GI today... Remi vs Humira

So, I was in the hospital in February with a terrible flare.  Had a checkup this morning with my GI.  While I am MUCH better than when I was in the hospital - I still am a long way from being in remission.  He said we could do several things - shorten the time between Remicade infusions, double the Remicade amount or even start another "loading" dose of the Remicade.  3 doses 2 weeks apart and then every 8 weeks.  OR, I can try Humira.  Since the Remicade is taking longer to start working and losing its effectiveness early, he thinks it may stop working for me.  I have been on Remicade for a year and a half.  Anyway, I am a little reluctant to switch to the Humira - I do like having ONE more medicine out there that I can try. 

So, the Dr. told me that he didn't want me to switch just yet - call him in a couple weeks if I am worse and we will increase the Remicade.  He said that he is trying to "buy" some time with me - that usually people my age (in my 30's) start to settle down with the flare ups some.  Have any of you ever heard of this???  I sure hope it's true - I have had a rough time the past couple of years.

This is just coming from my experience, I would rather start taking the dose every 6 weeks instead of raising the dose. I wouldn't rush to try Humira because like you said, then that makes one less med you can take. I had to wait a while for my insurance to approve any changes with the doseage/timing of Remicade, so keep that in mind. Plus, my insurance will not cover Humira because it's not approved for UC.

Just a question for you. I'm on Remicade too. So far I have just had two doses. I don't know the answer to your question because after a 2 week hospitalization just this month I was diagnosed with pancolitis.

But my question for you is what are you eating on Remicade? I'm trying to eat only bland soft foods to prevent a flare, but to tell you the truth now I'm constipated!! Can food be "making" the Remicade not work?? I'm also on 25 mg of prednisone on a taper schedule.

What do you think?

have they checked you for antibodies against remi? i develped them and now am getting ready to do the humira research study for uc.

I don't think they tested me for the antibodies for Remicade, but the did do the test for the Imuran.  To make sure that it was working -or to make sure that I was taking enough.  Not sure which.