Any links to switching from one biologic to another due to side-effects?

Hey all. I was awoken by the most God-awful headache imaginable this morning. It's just another of the pains I get from Remicade, and I'm sick of it.

If anyone has anecdotal evidence that switching from one biologic to another has been able to relieve these type of symptoms (body aches, headaches, joint pain) I would like to hear about it. Any links are appreciated. I ask because my doctor didn't have any experience with this situation. He has had people switch biologics once they built antibodies, but not so much due to the symptoms I describe.

It is nearing time I either find another biologic or get my colon removed. My GI doctor says my colon looks pristine right now, but I wonder at what cost to my quality of life?

I take Simponi, and have had Z E R O side effects......and have heard of none reported from others taking it.

You're overthinking it, dude: just switch already.

I don't know of any links offhand and don't feel like searching right now, but there is somebody on the Crohn's board who was getting horrendous migraines on Humira. She switched to Cimzia and is currently doing well on it.

Are you sure its from the drug? From your recent post it sounds like all the pondering and deliberating might just have given you a migraine...something to think about.

Banana:

So Simponi isn't working then at all for you? or are the "side effects" something else maybe?

I think just pick one and switch, or cut back the dose and wait for entyvio . The pristine colon gives you a fair amount of room to search.

Nobody is going to remove a pristine colon anyway, so since your colon would have to deteriorate considerable for surgery, you may as well risk deterioration by tying a different biologic.

DBwithUC said...
Nobody is going to remove a pristine colon anyway, so since your colon would have to deteriorate considerable for surgery, you may as well risk deterioration by tying a different biologic.

Meh, I think it depends on what else is going on. My doctor won't keep me on these meds forever, and is very much encouraging surgery over trying another biologic. 98% of my colon is perfect now.

Scott, that's great to hear! I've read of a lot of people on various biologics doing well. I unfortunately just have these awful pains associated with Remicade, so I'm wanting a few more stories of success after having issues with another biologic. Saw your post about your scope and it looking good... congrats!

NCOT: Meh... maybe overthinking, maybe just being careful. I flared horribly within days of being late on a remicade dose spring of last year. My body could turn worse quickly, so I'm looking for a few more encouraging stories about switching. My GI hasn't dealt with this before, so I'm looking on my own. If I flare while I still own our business and need surgery life may get really complicated, fast.

DB, I think I'm about to that point. I'd like to give Simponi a shot. Probably should wait until I either sell or calm down our business. One more reason to sell I suppose.

Thanks everybody. Been having a rough evening pain-wise... sitting in bed with the heating pad and electric blanket to help me feel a bit better right now.

Hey Thoreau,
I do not get any muscle pains or cramps on Humira.
I think it is doing a good job at helping me live a Normal life with this UC.