What to do?

By phylgem

1 min read

I was diagnosed with Crohns about twenty years ago. Until now I have been lucky to get by on Pentasa. I recently had my colonoscopy and I have an ulcer on my colon. My GI recommended that I start on Humira, an immune suppressant. I typically do not get a lot of colds and/or infections. I am concerned that with a suppressant I will get sick more often and pick up infections. There is a slight chance this ulcer might heal by itself. However, if it gets worse, I will eventually need surgery. Has anyone else had this experience? Has anyone been on Humira? Did you suffer a lot of side effects?
Thanks for any information you can provide.

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Meagan Heidelberg Moderator
Hi phylgem - Thank you so much for sharing with us and our community. We like to encourage our members to follow their physician's plan of care unless you're seeking another opinion from an additional doctor. As humira can change the way an immune system works, it can make people more likely to get infections, as well as harder to fight them off. Here is a story from a community member with taking humira; <a href='https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/stories/i-feel-better/' target='_blank'>https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/stories/i-feel-better/</a>. Also, a lot of helpful information regarding humira from our site here; <a href='https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/medications/biologic-therapies/adalimumab/' target='_blank'>https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/medications/biologic-therapies/adalimumab/</a>. Hoping that you find this helpful! Meagan, <a href='http://InflammatoryBowelDisease.net' target='_blank'>InflammatoryBowelDisease.net</a> Team Member
Matt Nagin Moderator
I have not been on Humira but I have been on Cimzia for a number of years. They are quite similar biologics. My experience is that you probably will not get many more colds or infections. Maybe you will get a bit more but nothing crazy. There are exceptions of course. Some people have very bad side effects with these meds, even developing cancers. But for most people these meds are okay. If you are at risk of Crohn's surgery, I'd say try the Humira. But consult with your doctor. The reason I say this is Crohn's surgery has it's own set of risks, that, in my opinion, are more severe than the risk of biologics. So I think Humira is the lesser of two evils and you should try it. But that's just my opinion, and, again, I'm not a doctor. Hope this helps! Best, Matt (Team Member)

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