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Humira vs. Remicade while Pregnant


Mon, July 22, 2013 11:09 AM

Hey guys!

I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's approximately 4 years ago. It has been one heck of a ride ever since, starting with Apriso, then onto Prednisone, then to 6mp. However, I'm at a Crohn's crossroads - I recently underwent a colonoscopy, which showed severe inflammation. My GI doc strongly recommends that I start on either Humira or Remicade immediately.

I am new to these big boy drugs and feeling overwhelmed by them. Can any of you tell me your experience with them and what I can expect? Also, my husband and I were hoping to start trying for babies in the next year or so. What are y'alls thoughts and experiences of taking either of these medications while being pregnant? What about breastfeeding?

Thank you in advance for your feedback! I love having this sounding board.

FPO josie9683
Joined Jan 30, 2012

Fri, August 30, 2013 4:43 PM

 Reply posted for josie9683.

Hi Josie,

I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 4 months ago and was immediately put on Remicade and Imuran.  My GI doctor told me his opinion is that the untreated symptoms of Crohn's are harder on an unborn child than Remicade.  There is at least one pregnant woman who receives infusions at my doctor's office, and the last time I saw her she was doing well with it.  I'm not positive about breastfeeding.  These are all things to bring up with your doctor...I know mine recommended that I hold off on getting pregnant until my symptoms were under control (which they are now so I'm hoping he gives me the OK.)  I wish you the best of luck!

FPO amb1981
Joined May 2, 2013

Wed, July 31, 2013 8:14 AM

 Reply posted for josie9683.

Hi,

I'm on Humira and Imuran and am pregnant.  So far ultrasounds look great.  I have not heard about Remicaid and pregnancy, but I know that Humira is pregnancy class B, which means generally pretty safe for babies during pregnancy.  (It does show up in breastmilk, so breastfeeding might be something to research more as that time draws closer.)

As far as Humira goes in general, it helped me a great deal at first.  However, I once had to put off a dose for over a week and then the effectiveness went down a lot - had to up the dosage.  :(  Don't miss a dose unless you really have to!  I used the pre-filled pens for awhile, but those hurt quite a bit (had to have my husband give me those shots).  I switched to the pre-filled syringes, and those are so much better!  With them, you have to see the needle and actually push it in, but not having a spring loaded pen made the stick less painful.  And being able to push the medication slowly, or even pause if needed, and then keep pushing it slowly is much better (for me) than having the spring in the pen automatically push it in quickly over 10 seconds.  When I had the pens, the medication burned.  Using the syringes and pushing it slowly myself has made it so the medication doesn't burn at all.

That said - even when I used the pens it was worth it - made me feel so much better.

Best of luck to you!

FPO jpouchlady
Joined Jul 31, 2013

Wed, July 24, 2013 9:37 PM

 Reply posted for aehc.

Hi- I took Humira while pregnant as well and my baby girl is perfect. She is 4 now and great! The only thing that I did a bit different was to not breast feed the first 5 days post partum. This was recommended by the neonatologist, OBGYN, and breast feeding coach. They said that would be when I would have the highest concentration of Humira in breast milk. Thats the only thing I did differently! And pregnancy was great for my disease. 

FPO jharmon0414
Joined Feb 4, 2013

Mon, July 22, 2013 1:16 PM

 Reply posted for josie9683.

hi,

i just had a baby and took humira and imuran while pregnant. I had no pregnancy complications and my baby boy is perfect. 

I am currently breast feeding too. 

I registered for a study though OTIS and they track all the data and latest research. They were very helpful with info etc.

If you have any questions you can email me ash_halow@hotmail.com

I have crohns and i am 31 yrs old. I have had no surgeries. 

FPO aehc
Joined Feb 15, 2011

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