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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/10/2011 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anyone with ulcerative colitis has used Cimzia. I know they use it for crohn's. I got my second injection today. I am also on 6mp, prednisone and Apriso. I am tapering off the prednisone and will get off the 6mp in two weeks. I am debating surgery because I hate being on this much medication. I am sad and keep waiting for my next flare-up. I don't know if my body will be okay without the steroids. I have been on and off the steroids for a year and have been on 6mp since October.
Posted 5/10/2011 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
My doctor mentioned Cimzia to me. If the LDN doesn't work I will try it. Remicade and Humira did nothing for me so I am doubtful Cimzia will. I also am on the steroids too much. I can't take the 6mp. Do you feel any improvement?
Posted 5/10/2011 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Since I have been on the steroids I have felt fine. I really don't know what is working but the last three times I have tried to come off the steroids I have flared. The steroids make me irritable, hungry and achy. And yet without them, I flare. It's too soon to tell if the cimzia is working. The 6mp doesn't work as I flared after being on it and yet, they keep me on it. I don't get it.
Posted 5/10/2011 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Miacat:
Sorry to butt in, as my response isn't about Cimza. However, have you had a bone density test? You may want to look into it, since you are on steroids. I am dependent as well, and my obgyn is really concerned because I'm starting to show signs of bone loss (been on steroids for 9 months)

I hate the stuff, and yet I cannot get off it (currently at 7.5 mg, down from 40). I never achieved remission though, so I don't see the point of staying on it.
Posted 5/10/2011 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
I have had bad colitis for most of my life and after being hospitalized 3 times I was diagnosed with severe UC. I got very sick from all the meds I was given such as asacol, lialda and remicade infusions. My doctor mentioned cimzia but he cannot get it for me unless I pay for it. It is far too costly. How did your doctor get it for you? I am currently on 30 prednisone a day and hate it.
Posted 5/12/2011 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
They wrote something for the insurance company and then it got approved. I hope you feel better. Ever consider surgery? I am thinking about it.
Posted 5/13/2011 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the cymbia information. I don't know why I can't get it. I've thought of surgery but I think I'm too old (in my 70's) to try it. If I must I guess I'll have to stay on prednisone......much as I hate all its side effects. Unfortunately I've had to be hospitalized 3 times this year, each time due to the damage done to my colon by the medications. Even the doctors are amazed at my bad reactions to all meds. I've told them but they just wouldn't believe me. It's all quite discouraging but I try not letting it get me down. I just take it one day at a tiome.
Posted 5/13/2011 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
     If Remicade and Humira failed, I doubt Cimzia will help but if you wanted to try just to avoid surgery then go for it.  When I received my first two infusions of Remicade I was still on prednisone.  After my third infusion, I was off the prednisone but the next day started flaring again.  My GI doctor suggested Humira and I tried that for three months with no change.  Seems like the prednisone was the only drug which helped me achieve remission and it gave me osteoporosis..full blown, along with high blood pressure and increased blood glucose levels.  I opted for surgery and had a total colectomy with end ileostomy last June.
Posted 5/14/2011 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
you could look into cimzia trials- it's approved for crohns- but trials may be starting for uc
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