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Biologics side affects
I cannot take Entyvio due to massive swelling. Humira is ineffective. But my immune system is now shot due to over a year of taking Humira. Interested in side effects of biologics. I’m thinking of quitting them as they appear to be more harmful than good. Crohns does not affect me too much as long as I watch my diet. Fatigue being an issue at 70 y/o.
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Is this the only thing you can take, doesn’t sound one it’s good for you! What else have you tried ?
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1 ReactionI have been on Rinvoq, Simponi Aria, Humira, Remicade and Avsola. It seems that some meds had no effect or severe side effects for the ones that worked (?) I have also taken methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine which didn't do much.
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with Crohn's 2 years ago. It was elderly onset because I was over 60 at the time of diagnosis. At that time it was believed I was healthy and could tolerate biologic as a treatment. The GI only looks a metabolic panel BMI and other diagnosed illness which I had only high blood pressure that had come down do to weight loss. She did not do any further investigation into my health. 18 mos later I'm diagnosed with cancer. I don't believe the use of biologic caused the cancer, but I will not help me fight cancer because a healthy immune system is needed.
Before I was diagnosed with cancer I already wanted off the biologic. The more I read the more concerned I was with what could happen with long term use. But I didn't feel like I could do it on my own.
I sought out a functional doctor who asked me for a complete health history. He has done test and we have corrected many issues that I have been experiencing. I've completed chemotherapy. My oncologist said if I do have a Crohn's flare I should work first with the functional doctor to reduce inflammation. He said that biologics contribute to disease because it disarms the immune system.
I'm worried. The inflammation caused by Crohn's is just as dangerous as immune suppressing drugs when it comes to cancer.
Don't take yourself off biologics if you don't have a medical professional monitoring you. There IS a reason we developed autoimmune diseases. It's different for everyone and there probably isn't one smoking gun. There may be multiple factors that lead to the condition.
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1 ReactionAsk your PC about pre-medicating.
Im on Rituxin and the nausea was horrific during the infusion despite IV Zofran.
I pre-medicated with Sublingual Indica before leaving home… no nausea, no dizziness, no pain!
I sat with a friend and drank coffee with a snack and chatted!
The fatigue was bad for two weeks post infusion but now my long covid POTS is resolving!!!
Pre-medicate and bring a friend
CANTEC, Thank you for your information about pre-medicating. This practice doesn't do any medicating before the infusion. I don't have the ripping abdominal pain until that evening, the next day or even starting on the second day after the infusion. Now it's become constant daily burning stomach pain which brings on nausea, impedes eating and brings on severe discomfort. I am supposed to have an infusion on Monday 1/13/2025 but I'm scared silly that it will happen again so bad that I will have to call an ambulance to get to the ER. I saw my rhuemy on Tuesday 1/7/2025 and he did not want me to stop the infusions because they are helping reduce the RA pain. He has no idea how painful the aftermath of the infusion can get. I think I am risking my health getting this next infusion and should cancel it if I'm in my right mind. It is my body and the doctor has no idea how much pain it can put me in.