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Remicade after Humira failure?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/8/2019 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
I failed Humira this fall (primary non-responder) and now have to stop Xeljanz due to gastro side effects that were worse than the UC. Doctors want to move me to either Remicade or Entyvio, with a preference for Remicade due to enteropathic arthritis.

I would keenly appreciate any experiences from people who failed Humira and went on to find success (or not) with Remicade.
Posted 1/8/2019 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I developed Humira antibodies earlier this year and was put on Inflectra (Remicade bio-similar) -- we had to double the dosage bc it was wearing off too quickly, but this Friday will be my second infusion at the higher dosage (first was 8 weeks ago) and I have had a great response these past 8 weeks -- no D, blood or mucus, and some of my other symptoms, like body aches, fatigue and itchiness, have subsided. I also take Imuran, and the combo makes me hopeful.
Posted 1/8/2019 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome! Glad it’s helping you 🙂
Posted 1/8/2019 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I lasted 5-6 months on Humira and it failed. I have been on Remicade since June and am in remission. I feel much better on it than I did on Humira. I had a hard time getting off of prednisone while on Humira as well. I take Balsalazide as well but nothing else.
Posted 1/8/2019 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
@Countess—Did you have antibodies to the Humira? Or just not a good response?

When I was on Humira I had a super mild response right around my injections, but nothing that ever stuck. So I’m hopeful maybe Remicade will stick.
Posted 1/8/2019 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
I think trying Remicade might make sense since it works faster too. Entyvio is slower working, but it's gut specific, which is nice. If you need relief fast, it's probably worth giving Remicade a try. I was a non-responder to Simponi, then I tried Remicade and I also didn't respond. Not only didn't i respond though, it caused me debilitating joint pain and lupus like symptoms. I do not regret trying though.
Posted 1/8/2019 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
I did not have antibodies.. it just didn't work for me.
Posted 1/8/2019 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
@nssg — I’m kind of down for trying whatever, having made peace with the prospect of surgery. If the Remicade or combo therapy don’t work, my next step is probably the surgeon.
Posted 1/9/2019 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I think the preference now is to avoid swithing to another anti-tnf after failing one but in your case with EA it makes sense to want to stick to an anti-tnf as opposed to something like entyvio which would most likely provide little benefit for your EA. You could look into combo therapy with Methotrexate which should provide some EA relief and also prevent the formation of antibodies to whatever biologic you choose. The methotrexate may also be enough to handle the EA symptoms while the entyvio tackles the UC.
Posted 1/9/2019 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello smile

I failed Humira and was put on Remicade. Remicade worked wonders for me but unfortunately, after about a year, it stopped working. I didn't develop any antibodies, just the drug trough levels came back very low; apparently my body was clearing it out or something (that's what my doctor said; I don't entirely understand it). However, that one year it did work, I felt "normal" again. "Normal" as in before I was ever diagnosed with UC. Give it a go. I hope it works for you. Best of luck!
Posted 1/9/2019 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all!
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