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Cimzia and increased risk of cervical cancer


Thu, November 21, 2013 8:31 PM

Hello all,

I have not started Cimzia yet, but my doctor would like me to start it.

I am currently taking Imuran and tapering off prednisone.  I have tried Humira and Remicade in the past with no luck.

My doctor was going over the risk factors with Cimzia and shared that there could be an increased risk of cervical cancer in those taking Cimzia.  I recently found out i have HPV, and am in the process of just simply observing it's progress.  I know this is typical, as cancerous cells take time to develop.  I informed my doctor that I have this issue, and he presented as a little more concerned to start the Cimzia.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?  I know in "healthy" "normal" populations, many women have HPV and it eventually goes away on its own, as our body fights off the virus.  But, given that I am on the immunosuppressant medication, and just having a different immune system from the Crohns, that the whole HPV stuff is greatly influenced.

Another treatment option for the Crohn's is trying Tysabri.  This terrifies me.  Apparently, my antibodies are just right for the medication, so the whole lethal risk of some brain infection may not be a big deal in my case, but uhh.. pretty scary stuff!!  Has anyone else's doctor suggest Tysabri or tried it?

Thank you

FPO alliesunshine
Joined Nov 8, 2012

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