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simponi or methotrexate

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/27/2014 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
So nervous! 

My doctor has discussed both of these meds and is pretty much letting me choose which one I'd like to try next.  I am leaning toward simponi, but nervous because remicade failed.  I am not sure if I am wasting my time/money on simponi.  Anyone with thoughts/advise/encouragement?  I am on prednisone which is keeping me going right now, but can't do that forever and I really want something to work for me!

Posted 1/27/2014 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
If you look at the statistics, your chances of remission would be at 47% with Simponi and 33% with methotrexate. (Based on limited studies for Simponi because it is a much newer drug.) On the other hand, I'm sure mtx is a much less expensive drug.

Just because one anti-tnf drug fails doesn't always mean they all will. Unfortunately, the only way to know if any drug is going to work for you is to try it.
Posted 1/27/2014 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the response. odds do not sound very promising with either drug.

Does anyone have personal experiences with either? I know everyone is different.
Posted 1/27/2014 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
hey angela!

i'm on simponi right now. took my first shot in december, second in january, and have my third coming up in february.

so far, i'm starting on 1 mg of pred today and i don't feel any more symptoms since i've been tapering. i am nervous to get off but i think i can.

the shots are no big deal at all. really easy. i have no experience with methotrexate so i can't compare the two. i was on remicade and it worked until it stopped working, so i'm hoping i do better on simponi.
Posted 1/27/2014 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
thanks bananagirl! It helps to hear of a positive experience! I did well on remicade for just a few months and it stopped working pretty quickly. by the end of the year I was in a terrible flare and lost 30 pounds. Hope it keeps working for you!
Posted 1/27/2014 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on methotrexate and Humira for about 4 months or so. So far no luck. I'm kind of with you on the TNF inhibitors. I know it is not true but it would seem if one does not work for you a different one would not either. Still I would try Simponi if it is offered. I am interested in Xeljanz which is not approved for UC yet. It is a Jak inhibitor which is totally different.
Posted 1/27/2014 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I would definitely pick Simponi over methotrexate. I'm not sure where Judy got the 33% figure for methotrexate, I'm not aware of any research that has shown a statistically significant effect for mtx inducing remission in UC -- as far as I know it is rx'ed for UC based on some studies that have shown an effect in Crohn's.
Posted 1/27/2014 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
I would choose anything other than methotrexate. I am slowing trying to get off this med. Can't wait for the day I can come off of it. Never again. Nothing but a Chemo drug that makes you sick for 2 days.
Posted 1/27/2014 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Just started Simponi . Read an article on medscape about drugs like Humira and Simponi . Had positive results going from one TNF inhibitor to another. Iwas on Humira for some time . Had good results hope to have good results with Simponi .
Posted 1/28/2014 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
faith, what do you think?? totally a breeze right??
Posted 1/28/2014 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Joanna, very easy!!!! I use the auto inject . Used to the Humira ones. Your doing the reg injection? I think that's what I read. Are you feeling better with the Simponi ? It's been 5 days since I started.
No muscle aches with the Simponi . So far so good. Would like the urgency to stop!!!!!
Posted 1/28/2014 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
faith, i'm glad you haven't had any reaction so far!!

well, today was my first 1 mg day and i started getting cramping in the afternoon. this is EXACTLY what happened last time i got 1 mg and i ended up in the hospital a week later on iv steroids again. i am very annoyed to be honest. my next shot is feb 11.
Posted 1/28/2014 12:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hope it doesn't happen again!
Posted 1/28/2014 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
How long did your GI say it would take for the Simponi it kick in???
I don't see mine till end of Feb. I give the second shot next Thursday .
Posted 1/28/2014 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have zero luck w/ methotrexate. I tried it around 3 months. All it did was make me even more tired and my hair fall out.

I think I'll ask to give simponi a go next time I see my GI.
Posted 1/28/2014 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
faith, i haven't seen my GI since early november. he said i'm the first patient to try simponi and he knew nothing about it (besides that it's a biologic). i remember at the appointment he thought i'd be getting infusions. i see him next week though.
Posted 1/28/2014 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
I was curious how long simponi took to kick in and work too. I am tapering pred right now. I am on 30 mg and bleeding has picked back up quite a bit. Makes me awfully nervous.
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