I have had Crohn's for 40 yrs; 30 yrs on steroids, 10 on methotrexate. Originally oral, 25 mg a week, but last 4 yrs weekly injections of 25 mg. I had a hemi-colectomy in March 09, with 15 cm of my small and large intestines removed. Unfortunately, I then had a big flare in late September requiring 2 weeks again in hospital. I was put on remicade: gastro said I would have only 3 infusions: 0, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, but still had faecal incontinence and failure to put on weight. They also found my pancreas was not working...which is a rare complication of Crohn's. Now on 8 weekly infusions for life....and am getting my life back at last! I am taking Creon enzymes on prescription with each meal and snacks.
Your family member should be guided by their gastroenterologist, as there are a number of new anti-tumour factorA drugs around now. Crohnies make too much tnfA, which causes the inflammation in the intestines.
Liz - glad to be well enough to be back posting.
I'm surprised her doc has kept her on that med for so long if she is getting worse. I was on Remicade for a while, now I am on Humira. Humira works wonderfully for me.
There are many medications on the market. There is 6mp, Remicade, Asacol, Sulfasalazine, Ciprofloxacin , Azathioprine. Your close family member should talk to there doctor about other options if methotrexate isnt working.