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Is Humira FDA approved yet for UC? How well does it work?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/23/2012 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Looks like I may be at the end of my Remicade treatment.  Probably built up antibodies.  It kept my UC at a mild to moderate level for almost a year although I was also on a long taper of prednisone for about 8 of those months, too. 

I think my GI mentioned Humira at our last appointment as a next maybe last option.  Has it been FDA approved?  What is it's track record with UC?  Has anyone had success with it?  Or does anyone know of studies with results for UC patients?

 

Posted 5/23/2012 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Potato,
Yes Humaria is approved for UC, see link below but now I've heard that there may be some sort of delay.

I was on IVIG for 3 years and basically kept me in remission for that time with the exception of 2 bad flares. It seems I may have built up antibodies to the antibodies. I would suggest trying IVIG before another TNF, toxic drug. Saying that I'm also looking into it, but certainly have concerns, given my reaction to Remicade.

http://www.abbott.com/news-media/press-releases/abbott-receives-positive-opinion-for-humira-in-ulcerative-colitis-from-emas-chmp.htm

Good luck!
Posted 5/24/2012 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think it is approved by the US FDA for the tratment of UC but it has been used by many people with success. I would imagine it will get approval somewhat soon. Good luck!
Posted 5/24/2012 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
How does a Doctor get Humira perscribed if it hasn't been approved in the US for UC??? I'm getting it delivered today for the first time. If it comes early enough I'll be at the GI's office this afternoon. I had no problem getting it.
Posted 5/24/2012 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
While Humira didn't really help me at all when I was on it last year, I had no problem getting it approved with my health insurance. That being said, they later wouldn't approve Remicade for some reason and then I went to Cimzia. So maybe if its FDA approved for Crohns then its easier to get it for UC.
Posted 5/24/2012 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
How is Cimzia working for you? Do you give it to yourself like Humira?
Posted 5/24/2012 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor prescribes Humira to me with no problem.
Posted 5/24/2012 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
It is approved for crohn's and it seems like its easy to get it approved and covered by insurance if youve tried remicade. My gi said i would ha e to try remicade first being humira is not approved. Id prefer the shots at home because infusions seem so time consuming. I really am a wimp about a shot though so maybe humira would be even more difficult for me to administer.
Posted 5/24/2012 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was quickly approved after I failed Remicade; ended up failing on Humira eventually (even at doubke dose)- but was only copaying 5.00 for each pack of 4 pens vs a few thousand bucks or whatever the system was picking up.
Posted 5/24/2012 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
My GI went staight to Humira. Nurse said it wasn't as heavy duty as Remicade. GI said it would work faster then Imuran. That's if it works. I think will take something to calm my nerves before I go for my Humaria teaching class today.Have no idea how to give myself the shot.
Posted 5/24/2012 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. Just one day on 40 pred so far isn't doing the trick yet, but I know enough to wait a few days to see if it effects this flare. During the day I'm doing fine, about an hour after the pred, but at night is a nightmare of trips to the bathroom.

I'm glad to hear that humira is working for some and I know I'll have to give it a shot (pun intended). I see to have fallen into the UC status of failing just about everything, and the pred takes longer to take effect.

Thanks again.
Posted 5/25/2012 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently on Humira for UC and it has been working well since I started in August of 2010. It began working very quickly for me.

I am receiving it through the Abbott patient assistance program because I was unable to get insurance at the time it was prescribed. I have insurance again through my parents since I am under the age of 26, but they are not wanting to cover Humira. They want me to do Remicade since it is approved for UC. My argument is that Humira is working for me and it is cheaper for the I surabce company. Abbott is still helping me temporarily while I work this out with my insurance company.
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