HELP - Tuberculosis medicine along with Adalimumab
My father got diagnosed with Crohn's disease last August. After trying various medicines and steroids for 11 months , our 2nd doctor finally put us on Biologics ( Adalimumab ) . He got us checked for underlying TB ( Tuberculosis ) with Mantoux and QuantiFERON tests because apparently Adalimumab is bad for someone with underlying TB and both came negative . Now , he has prescribed Adalimumab 40mg with 4 at first and then 2 and eventually single 40mg injection every 2 weeks along with a medicine called R-cinex everyday before breakfast which is a medicine used to stop having TB infection but my Father doesn't have any TB infection. My question is , has any of your doctor also recommended having TB medicine along with Humira or remicade without having any TB at first place of is it just my doctor and is it even Safe to have TB medicine without even having any underlying disease.
I too am on Humira (previously Remicade) and I was tested for TB in the beginning but was never put on TB meds. Can you ask his doctor if it is necessary to be on TB meds if he does not have TB?
Let us know how you get on
Vern - IBD Team MemberThanks for Replying
I had a call with our Doctor last night and he suggested us to take even though I have searched the whole internet and no doctor has ever advised someone to Take TB medicine with Adalimumab without having any TB . I don't know what is he upto because TB medications have really adverse side effects . Can you please tell for how long you have been on Biologics, how are you feeling now vs when you started it and have you taken some medicine with it or not . Thank youI too am confused why if he does not have TB unless they are concerned that, with biologics, he may be more susceptible, I'm not sure. Maybe try for a second opinion, even if it is just your GP, you may get an answer.
I have been on biologics for 11 years now (2012). I started on Remicade infusions until 2020 when my body became immune and since then I have been on Humira injections. I have not had any side effects and have not taken anything in combination with either biologic. Prior to biologics, I was on Salofalk and prednisone combination.
Let us know how he gets on.
Vern - IBD Team Member
Thank you so much for such detailed answer. We'll definitely take second opinion on this . You're doing god's work , Thank you again ♥️
Hopefully you will get the answers you are looking for. I know the frustration and worry it can cause.
Vern - IBD Team Member
Hi Vivek! I've been on Humira this last 4 months. I was taking it every other week, and now I'm taking it once a week. My body is stubborn! I'm also taking azathioprine to keep from building antibodies to the humira, and budesonide steroid. I took the TB test, but never was I asked to take the meds for it as I don't have TB.
I've not had major side effects from the humira except major fatigue. I crash and sleep off and on for a day and a half while my body processes it. I'm still bleeding a bit, but my pain is almost gone, the frequency is down to twice a day, sometimes lol, and I can eat solids again without too much issue.
I'd love to get off the steroids, but the Dr says I'm not ready yet, and since I'm going back to work after a 6 month leave, I'll take it as is for now.
