Humira and Covid

Hello Everyone I hope everyone is doing well.

I had j-pouch surgery 28 years ago and then was diagnosed with Chrons. Anyway I am on Humira now and have been for about 5 years.

I just had a regular appointment with my GI doctor he said that the Humira will put you at risk of getting Covid but help with how Covid attacks the other organs / lungs etc.

So Humira puts you at a higher risk for getting Covid but will help with the devastating effects it can have on other organs like your lungs.

I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this. Do I take the Humira and stay in the house, which is impossible with work. Or if I start to feel sick take it then?

Thank You

Bob

11/21/207:42 AM

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CTBarristerMember

This topic is covered pretty generally in regards to biologics in this thread, see in particular the post by Ross G:

https://www.j-pouch.org/topic/covid-questions

11/21/207:49 AM

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MetsFanMember

What have you heard about the Humira helping with the after effects of Covid on internal organs ? I guess the Covid acts like an autoimmune disease that makes the body attack itself.

11/21/208:16 AM

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MetsFanMember

Basically what I am asking is should I continue to take the Humira? I live in CT and if you just go to the gas station 1/2 the people don't have masks on.

11/21/208:21 AM

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CTBarristerMember

Yes continue taking it, see the article Ross G posted about how biologics tamp down cytokine storms. You may be at risk of getting Covid, but the Humira could prevent you from dying if you do. That is the simplistic answer you seem to be looking for.

I live in CT and take Remicade and haven't stopped it. Nor have I observed many people doing so, as I always see many others getting infused when I go. We are just put in different rooms or spaced out in the infusion room.

11/21/208:38 AM

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CTBarristerMember

@MetsFan posted:
if you just go to the gas station 1/2 the people don't have masks on.

At most gas stations, you pump gas outside and are not within 10 feet of anyone else so I don't understand why this should be a specific concern, as long as you do not go inside.

11/21/208:52 AM

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Former Member

Definitely keep taking your meds! Try to stay in as much as possible if you can. And when you leave the house use hand sanitizer, practice 6 feet, and wear a mask. When I am at the gas pump and finish filling up, I immediately use hand sanitizer.

11/21/208:13 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

So far, all sources recommend continuing your regular IBD treatment. The basic notion is that being in remission is far better for you than risking relapse along with potential COVID-19 infection.

https://www.crohnscolitisfound...ofessional-resources

Also, there are studies underway for Humira as an actual treatment for COVID-19 to lessen disease severity.

https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m3847

Jan