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Done with remi, time for himira?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/20/2015 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
So remi seems a bust after i got gradually worse recently, and an infusion did nothing whatsoever to slow it down. Ive been on it for about 18 mos. Dr wants humira next. I was on board but of course have reservations after reading some bad things.... Anyone try humi after remi?
Posted 12/20/2015 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Have you increased the dosage and/or frequency of remicade infusions (maxes out at 10mgs/kg every 4 weeks)? Did you have a infliximab/remicade antibody test done?

If you have significant antibodies to remicade then it makes sense to switch to another tnf-alpha blocking biologic like simponi or humira.

If there are no antibodies then you might've failed the tnf-alpha blocking class of biologics. Meaning, entvyio would be a better choice (madcam-1 blocking biologic).
Posted 12/20/2015 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with iPoop. You should take the proper steps before giving up on remicade. If you haven't had the levels checked and tried a dose increase (if it was seen as an option), you probably should. Otherwise, perhaps trying Humira is a good option. I tried Simponi before Remicade, but I had no success with either at all. In your case, being a responder, there is a good chance you will have luck with Simponi or Humira.
Posted 12/20/2015 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'd suggest getting tested for any pathogens you could have picked up too and maybe seeing if a course of antibiotics should be tried.

I'm pretty early on in my remicade experience but I responded right away then symptoms returned a few weeks after my second infusion and my third infusion didn't do anything. I saw my doc this past week and we were both thinking I picked up some other bug.

He got me started on an antibiotics course and bumped up my remicade infusion and I have begun to feel a lot better. I'm about 5 days into the antibiotics and had an infusion 3 days ago. In that time I went from around 15 bms a day to around 5bms. Urgency and pain aren't too much of an issue now and I feel safe leaving the house which I havent felt in about 6 weeks.
Posted 12/21/2015 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on 6-MP or Imuran with the Remicade? Have you tried them in the past? 6-MP was able to put me in remission without Remicade.

What other meds are you on?

I'd follow Ipoop's advice about the testing and next steps; the only other thing that I would add to his suggestion is maybe getting a 2nd opinion with a GI who specializes/focuses on IBDs.
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