Taking more than one biologic at the same time
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 30 years ago and have been on a biologic since 2006. I had 104 infusions of Remicade before it stopped working and then tried 4 other biologics until we (my Dr. and I) finally found one that worked. I have been in remission for almost 5 years now. In the meantime, I have had asthma most of my life. When I was on Remicade it seemed to keep my asthma in check. But now that I am on a different biologic that is geared only to UC and Crohn's, my asthma has gotten harder to control. In 2020 I was diagnosed with APBA, a rear form of severe asthma and now I have become steroid dependent. Both my allergist and my gastroenterologist want me to take a second biologic (Tezspire) that is geared to the asthma so that I can get off the steroids and relieve all the nasty side effects of long-term steroids use. Needless to say, I really want to get off the steroids, but I am concerned with what being on two different biologic medications would do to me. Is anyone else on multiple biologic medications for multiple autoimmune disease?
Hi. This is certainly a tricky situation, to find relief for one thing only to have another condition get worse because of it. I feel for you. I'm not an expert or a medical professional, but from what I understand, it is generally not recommended to be on multiple biologics. It may sometimes be an option if you're treating two very different conditions, but even that will require close monitoring and possible increased side effects. What do your doctors think about this? Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion as you explore your options. We support whatever you choose to do -- keep us posted with what you decide and how it's going. I'm sure other people would appreciate the info in a similar position. All the best to you! -Melissa, team member
Thanks, Melissa, for responding,
The first time my allergist questioned taking two biologics was back in 2012, when I was on Remicade. My Gastro doctor said absolutely not a good Idea since Remicade was being used for both my UC and Asthma. Now that I am on a different Biologic that only treats my UC, both my Gastro and Allergist are in agreement that to get off the steroids I should take a second biologic that will only treat my ABPA. Both believe that benefits outweigh the risk.
I have gone for a second opinion with another Allergist. He also agrees that I should be on a second Biologic, surprisingly the same one my Allergist recommends.
I have found a few studies that have researched the possibility of being on two different biologics for two different autoimmune diseases and both had positive results. But stated that they covered only a few participants and a short amount of time. Both stated further research was needed to track the long-term effects. Unfortunately, neither study I found were for the specific Biologics that have been recommended for me.
ErikaHi, Erika! It sounds like you have done your due diligence. It's nice to know that all three doctors are in agreement about the specific treatments being explored here. That would give me some additional peace of mind, but I don't think there's one right solution either. I'm glad you're here with us and I'll be thinking of you as you navigate your next steps. Either way, I hope you see improvements in your symptoms. Be well! -Melissa, team member
Thanks Melissa,
I had an appt with my general practitioner today and he is also in agreement with the other three. He believes that there have been many improvements to biologics and that taking this direction is much more agreeable than taking steroids every time my lungs start to flare.
Erika
