Crohn's Disease and Humira

I've linked you to the Prescribing Information approved by the FDA for Humira. Section 8.1 and section 8.2 should have the information you're seeking:
http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/humira.pdf

According to the document, it's pregnancy category B which means it has been approved by the FDA for use in Pregnancy. However, there are serious side effects and a Black Box Warning (strongest warning from the FDA). I'd go through and read the entire document and discuss with a pharmacist as well as your specialists. I'd find out from your gastroenterologist what their concerns are vs. your rheumatologist and OB.

As for nursing, I'd not take the risk personally based upon the information in the document. I don't know if you can manage both your Crohn's and RA without this medication, but it doesn't appear to be worth the risk. When diagnosed with cancer after my daughter's birth, I lamented having to stop nursing her (I'd nursed her brother for the first year), but I realized having Mom was more important than having Mom's milk. In your case, if you can find safer alternative treatments or can manage without treatment, it may be a better option.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

I have Ulcerative Colitis...similar to Crohn's except it only affects my colon, not my whole digestive tract. I stopped my medicine when I conceived and I never had an outbreak. I did research and for reasons unknown, you will most likely not have an outbreak when pregnant. As for the arthritis, I did not have that when I conceived, but I do now (and I'm only 33). I don't know if there is safe anti-inflammatory medicine you could take for your arthritis? If I was in your shoes, I would come off of the medicine. You can always go back on it if you have an outbreak. But then again, Crohn's is worst than UC. Good luck!!

Everything in your bloodstream passes into breastmilk. In my opinion, it's safest for both you and your baby if you don't nurse and take your medications after delivery.

You could be writing about me! First, trust your OB, especially the High Risk kind - that's what they deal with. Second, check out CCFA.org, I just did a CE on this issue through their website and it's archived there. I can tell you, the recommendation I've seen is you stop it at 34 weeks, and resume with delivery. And it's safe to breastfeed on. Biggest issue is no live vaccines for babies until 6 months - so no RotaTeq vaccine as it's live, but just be sure to tell your pediatrician. My high risk OB is checking into it, he prefers that women stay on it the entire pregnancy, but there is no problem with using it during conception. Your GI doc sounds like mine, a little high-strung and worries a little too much!
Good luck! We are about to start trying for #3, my first while on Humira.

Re breastfeeding while taking meds--check with La Leche League to see if they have any studies relative to the meds you use or are considering. They try to keep on top of that sort of thing.

Good luck!

K. Z.

My friend has Crohn's and she didn't take any prescriptions while pregnant or breastfeeding. It wasn't until she quit breastfeeding that she had a flare up. Your hormones are so different while pregnant and breastfeeding that your body will be so different than normal. For instance, I'm lactose intolerant and during both my pregnancies I wasn't. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but Crohn's flare ups are also triggered by stress so relax and enjoy your pregnancy and baby! :)

Did you know that drinking breastmilk is one of the best ways to ease your own Crohn's symptoms? Worth a try:)