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Surgery vs. humira vs. 6MP?


Sat, April 24, 2010 4:50 PM

My 20 month son has come to point of needing to move up to immunomodulators or boilogics to treat his UC. He is basically steriod dependent. Remicade is an option, but we would really prefer Humira. This is not an easy choice to make. Weve weighed the pros and cons of both routes. Humira would work quicker and might me safer, but it has only been out for 5 years so there are a lot of unknowns about it. 6MP would take longer to work, he would have to go on Prednisone again, there are known risks of getting lymphoma or other infectious diseases, but its been out a long time, they much experience using it in children and the risks are very very small. There was a report done on the safety of biologics, but unfortunately it doesnt relate to how we would use it. Most of the malignancy cases were on combo therapy with 6MP and Remicade. So there is a definite increased risk if using both together, but we wont be doing that. My husband is even considering the idea of surgery to remove his colon to avoid all the risks associated with these drugs. I know a lot of you have kids that are doing great on 5-ASAs, but are there any of you that have had to face these choices? What were your outcomes? Ultimately I know its our decision, but I wanted to get some feedback from people who have been there.
Thanks in advance!


FPO sarah2008
Joined Mar 27, 2008

Sun, April 25, 2010 1:50 PM

 Reply posted for Sarah2008.

Hi Sarah-

 

I really feel for you and what you are going through. This is not easy and I agree, it is very helpful to get info from other parents.

I wanted to make sure you are aware of this website-

http://www.dragonpack.com/ibdsupport/parents/

It is a fairly active board with parents that have kids with IBD and they are quite helpful- You may get more inforation over their.

best of luck- I am thinking of you and your son :)

FPO mygirlrj
Joined Oct 22, 2009

Sat, April 24, 2010 5:07 PM

 Reply posted for Sarah2008.

Hi Sarah,

My son is 5 years old and has UC, he was diagnosed at the age of 2.  He is currently on Imuran , Prednisone and Colazal.  These are very tough but necessary decisions that we have to make for our kids, I feel your pain.  I find it easier to share my sons story and offer advice via a phone call. Please feel free to call me anytime, my name is Sandy and my # is 586-915-5639.

P.S. I loved your comment to Allan, you said what I think a lot of us moms have been thinking :) 

 Sandy (Conor's mom)

FPO jcraig007
Joined Feb 17, 2010

Sat, April 24, 2010 3:19 PM

 Reply posted for Sarah2008.

Sarah, unfortunately whatever route you choose there are always risks involved. Drugs are risky and so are surgeries. On my daughters case her UC was so agressive and because she didnt responded to absolutely any medications, she had to have the surgeries.  She was 5 1/2  years old when she developed UC.

FPO ihateuc
Joined Apr 23, 2010

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