Time for change - Remicade vs. Humira

I have been on 6 MP for 7 1/2 years and unfortunately for the last year and half it hasn't been able to keep me in remission. Over the past year, I've tried increasing my 6 MP and have had two different rounds of Uceris that have temporairly helped, but I can't seem to fully pull out of my flare.

My doctor has suggested for the past 6 months that it may be time to try a new medication and after my last sigmoidnoscopy that ruled out some virus/bacteria (not cdiff but something else) my GI wants me to move onto to either Remicade or Humira. I will also remain on the 6MP for the next year or so.

He has explained both to me and I have read about them. When reading through old posts on here, it seems that people's expericences are all over the board. Is it true that most people start with Remicade first or is that just because it was first approved for UC before Humira was?

In terms of conveniences of getting infusions my GI is one mile from my house and across the parking lot from my office so I think I can easily swing that part of it.

I'm nervous (scared) about starting either, but also don't want my flare to get worse and move further up my colon. I would appreciate any thoughts or insights if one is prerable over the other. Thank you.

Thank you. That is nice to know that the risks of biologics are equivalent of 6MP. I always assumed they were more since they were considered a different class of drugs.

Of course when I was trying to research people's experience I came across an individual who developed some terrible other terrible anti-inflammatory condition affecting their joints (like R.A.) but they had not previously had before taking Remicade. I realize that is just one case, but it's the worst case examples that make me concern and if this doesn't work you start to feel like you are running out of options. I still have a long time to live with this disease and wish I could find a solution that lasted more than a couple of years.

How long have you been on Remicade and 6MP? Will you eventually stop 6MP?

I was wondering why your 6MP dose was so low. So you slowly taper just like all the other drugs. I've increased my 6MP up to 125 mg over this past year and still not fully helping. Thanks for the CCFA link. I will read what transcript. I need to remember to check out their site more often.

I've put a call into my doctor's office this morning to discuss next steps of starting Remicade. I think that is what he was leaning towards, but he did mention a clinical trial with Humira that I could participate in and that everything would be paid for. I suppose I should check with my insurance about the two medications.

That's nice to hear you are in remission. It's wonderful and you can even forget at times that you have UC!

Platinum, thanks for responding. It's nice to know that Remicade has worked for some for multiple years. One of my biggest fears is running out of options, but I try not to worry about it. I have started the necessary upfront lab work to take either Remicade or Humiera. The doctors office is supposed to be checking with my insurance about Remicade coverage. Hoping to be able to more forward with this by the new year.

How quickly does Remicade start working? Or is it like 6MP or Imuran where it takes a few months to build up in your system?

If their is a choice, go with humira first. Remicade Cost MUCH more. Is VERY time consuming and simply not convenient. First dose of Remicade will be at LEAST 4 hours just for the drip(infusion). Then if there is no adverse reaction it will be a minimum of 2 hours infusion time. Notice I keep mentioning infusion time. That is the time set for the drip once they start the indusion. That does not include time waiting around to be called in, time traveling to center, time spent with the Dr. if it is needed. Humira is self administered in your own home and the whole procedure is less than 5 minutes. First dose will be longer (and extra injections) and may be at the dr's office so they can show you how to do it. I do it in my thigh and find in completely painless. Remicade is painless also but a huge inconvenience. It usually means loss of work time if you are working. So.... my suggestion, if you have a choice go with Humira first. If after a few months their is no change then consider Remicade. I give my self a humira shot during commercials of my favorite shows in the convenience of my own home. Your insurance will appreciate it also as it is less costly.

Post Edited (johnj) : 12/25/2015 6:59:28 PM (GMT-7)