The two biggest reasons reasons why some of us are (or are not on) 6mp and Remicade at the same time are:
- Some are on both because: Being on Remicade and 6mp at the same time reduces the likelyhood that one's immune system will develop antibodies to the Remicade. If your body develops antibodies against remicade then it will no longer be as effective, or may not work at all for you anymore.
- Some are not on both because: Being on Remicade and 6mp at the same time slightly increases the risk of getting cancer, especially among adolescent males (late teens and early 20's). One of the initial clinical studies for remicade had 1-2 incidents of this, other ages and genders were not hit. So some in this demographic group choose not to be on both at the same time.
And lastly, Remicade only puts about
34% of people into remission, while the rest have an improvement in symptoms but some symptoms still remain. So, for those people they will likely need multiple medications at the same time in order to maintain a good quality of life.