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Trying Stelara or Cimzia after Remicade & 6mp reactions

Wed, May 02, 2018 12:39 PM

Hi!
I’m new here. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in October of last year. They did a colonoscopy, saw inflammation, but the biopsies were inconclusive. Given my strong family history of Crohn’s, they treated me. I have been on several treatments so far. I was first on Pentasa (500mg, 2 pills 2x per day), then switched to 6mp when that didn’t work as well as we would have liked. I had a reaction to 6mp (104 degree fever, extreme joint pain, rash, diarrhea, and vomiting). I was then switched to Remicade, but that also gave me a reaction of extreme joint pain after the 2^nd infusion. Remicade worked for my symptoms, but my body wouldn’t handle it. They gave me Predisone, let the dust settle, did another colonoscopy to verify Crohn’s, and biopsies confirmed it this time, so there’s no question it’s Crohn’s. I was put back on Pentasa, but doubled the dose. While it helps tremendously, I still get pains and diarrhea, and the doctor wants to try Cimzia or Stelara. Has anyone had a reaction to Remicade and gone on Cimzia or Stelara? I’m horrified of having another reaction. The reactions I had to Remicade and 6mp were pretty debilitating. Thanks, I appreciate your help!

ABye14
Joined May 2, 2018

Sun, August 26, 2018 1:21 PM

Reply posted for Ngrego.

I will update once I start the infusions. I’m still unfortunately waiting on my insurance to approve this treatment I’ve been on prednisone for weeks with no other treatment so I’m ready to begin this one. My doctor is optimistic that this treatment is known to be a pretty good one. Everyone’s body is different though so I hope we all get some good results!

aheckman11
Joined Jun 21, 2017

Sun, August 26, 2018 1:09 PM

Reply posted for aheckman11.

Hi there, i wonder how you doing with the Remicade?, im about to start on it

Ngrego
Joined Aug 26, 2018

Sat, August 25, 2018 2:06 PM

Reply posted for aheckman11.

Hello, Yes you name it I've been on it probably. Sorry to hear of your troubles. I had start of anaphylaxis shock after remicade infusion. Remicade worked well for me too. Cimzia was next & have been on it for 7 yrs. great for my Crohns but I also have ulcerative colitis. So now I'm being switched to Stellara. Just like others said everyone is different. Stellara isn't a biologic like the other drugs. Make sure you trust your doctor, know yourself & trust yourself. You are your own advocate for your health. Good luck.

gypsycowgirl
Joined Dec 3, 2018

Fri, August 17, 2018 5:56 PM

Reply posted for ABye14.

From what my gastro doctor said, cimzia isn’t the best for Crohn’s. I was on it for 6+ months and after my recent scope my Crohn’s is way worse than before the cimzia. Not sure why I was prescribed it then, but what do I know! I also have ankylosing spondylitis and my rheumatologist suggested the cimzia to treat both issues. I couldn’t tolerate humira, caused terrible skin reactions. Everyone’s body is different unfortunately. I wish there was a one size fits all treatment to make everyone’s life so much easier. Currently about to start remicade and hoping to be able to tolerate it. Good luck on your journey and I hope we can all find a treatment to manage our disease.

aheckman11
Joined Jun 21, 2017

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