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Discontinuing Biologic Therapy?

Sat, June 06, 2020 10:06 AM

Has anyone been able to stop taking biologics and successfully stay in remission? I am an ulcerative colits patient currently on infliximab infusions every 8 weeks plus mesalamine tablets 4.8G a day. I have been receiving the infusions for 3 years now, and my colitis has been well-controlled to near remission for most of that time. Of course, I am still highly concerned about the effects of infliximab on the immune system, especially with COVID going around. On top of that, I just recently acquired a C. diff infection and now taking oral vancomycin. I really do not want to be on these immune-suppressing treatments any longer! Has anyone been able to switch to a different treatment regimen with less risks? I heard that the drug Entyvio may be less harmful to the immune system than the Remicade, but I don't know for sure if that is true?

ericj1985
Joined Mar 13, 2020

Sun, July 03, 2022 8:00 PM

Reply posted for ericj1985.

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kenna
Joined Jul 3, 2022

Wed, July 29, 2020 12:20 PM

Reply posted for jkane.

Unfortunately, I have been struggling all summer to get rid of the C. diff and it's back again! My doctor put me back on 2 weeks of vancomycin followed by a few more weeks of tapering doses. I really believe I need the stool transplant also to stop this horrible cycle! With my history of UC and recurrent C. diff I am very concerned that the vancomycin alone is not going to work. If I don't start feeling much better in a few more days I am going to let my doctor know that I want the transplant ASAP.

ericj1985
Joined Mar 13, 2020

Wed, July 29, 2020 7:06 AM

Reply posted for ericj1985.

Have you been able to get rid of the c. diff? My partner has ulcerative colitis. A few years ago he had c. diff during a flare and it would consistently come back as soon as he went off the antibiotics. Fecal transplants cleared up the c diff.

jkane
Joined Jul 29, 2020

Sat, July 18, 2020 9:57 AM

Reply posted for ericj1985.

Yes - I had a major flare up last summer - 11 days in the hospital. As a result - I started Remicade treatments. The treatments put my UC in remission however I experienced terrible side effects which my dr (who is one of the best in central tx) did not believe the meds were the cause. I had debilitating joint and nerve pain, my extremities would go numb. I couldn't drive to work without my hands going numb, I couldn't sit on a stool or chair without legs giving out. On my 7th treatment my eye started swelling so they immediately stopped treatment. Guess what - within a month afterimage stopping treatment - all joint/nerve pain went away!! I'm back on Colazal oral meds and I feel so much better. I do battle minor symptoms but the arthritis was much worse! I also take Bentyl which helps with the gurgling and gas pains. I hope you find this helpful.

UCTexas
Joined Jul 15, 2020

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