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Starting a biologic - advice?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/4/2018 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
It's settled(ish). I'll be starting a biologic! Now that the decision is made, I'm pretty excited. But first:

1.) I tested positive for quantiFERON gold TB test, so I have to see an Infectious Disease doctor to figure out we need to do about that.

1a.) What is the treatment like? How long before you can start your biologic?
1b.) Has anyone tested positive, but not been treated?
1c.) I'm a little conflicted about this one. I just found out that my student health department has an infectious disease doctor who I might be able to see sooner. I'll find out Thursday. Right now, I have appointment scheduled with an ID doc at my GI's hospital (also on campus), who is an MD. PhD. who studies TB, but I can't see him until July 27th. It's only a few weeks away. Do you think it's worth the wait?


2.) We need to talk to insurance. My doctor wants to start me on Entyvio so she's going to request that, but from what I read, there is almost no chance they go for it. According to my insurance's pre-authorization documentation, I have to fail Humira or Remicade first.

2a.) Has anyone started with Entyvio as their first biologic?
2b.) Would you recommend Humira or Remicade?

Thanks in advance!
Posted 7/4/2018 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Look up the user Faithmac. She had a positive TB test. Last I heard she was doing great on entyvio. You may want to reach out to her directly by email. She hasn't been around too often lately.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=3927035
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=3912002
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=3900137
Posted 7/4/2018 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the links! They are really interesting and helpful and scary....

I'm glad she was able to get on entyvio and was doing well. I guess no news is good news around here smile

I'll definitely reach out to her.

Thanks again!
Posted 7/5/2018 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
I failed Remicade and started Entyvio in Feb.

I had to see an infectious disease team as well, however, it was from CMV. The infection delayed my biologic process, sadly. I had to wait a few weeks before getting started.

Tips for starting Entyvio:

If you're nervous about insurance, go to the Entyvio website. They offer many resources for those who cannot have the medication improved through their insurance. I believe they advertise paying as little as 6$ per infusion.

The first two doses are what they call "loading doses", which are higher doses of the medication itself, to begin the buildup within your system. These first two doses will feel "different" versus the rest of the infusion treatments. You may get a little tired, you may feel a little drained. These first doses take longer than the rest. Bring a book or a tablet, and bring a blanket (if they don't supply you with one).

Keep your chin up. Entyvio is slow working, but it's a very good infusion medication. I am currently on dose #5. I was in the hospital for two months back in December because my flare had me losing blood like crazy.
Posted 7/6/2018 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
2a. I started Entyvio as my first biologic. I'm on Medicare and they didn't require a pre-authorization. I was on pins and needles for the first couple of months, though, wondering if they would pay and how much. Thankfully, it's covered 100% by Medicare. Yay.

I've been on it for almost a year and a half. Have reached symptomatic remission with only a few mild symptoms now and then. All my infusions have taken 30 minutes, including the first loading doses. No side effects. I'm glad I got on Entyvio because the infusions only take 30 minutes, and my veins don't like needles very much and tend to close up after a while, so the quick infusion time is definitely a plus. My infusion center has heated blankets, comfy recliners with a little side table, and a community tv with is usually tuned to HGTV.

Good luck!
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