STARTING ON AN ANTI-TNF

Because the most common side effect of all anti-TNF medicines is more frequent infections, the most important things you can do are

• Make sure you have had a recent test for tuberculosis (TB). If there is evidence you have TB, you will likely have to treat that first, before beginning on your anti-TNF
• Bring your vaccinations (immunizations) up to date. You will not be able to get live vaccines while on treatment, so it important to get them beforehand. Also, you are at a somewhat greater risk for Hepatitis B, so your vaccine status should be checked and updated. Some physicians ask that you get a blood test and / or a vaccine booster to make sure you are protected.  
• Make sure you do not have an active infection or one that is starting when you begin treatment or anytime you are supposed to get a dose of your anti-TNF. 
• Make sure financial arrangements have been taken care of with your insurance company or however payment will be made. These medicines are expensive. Where you get your medicines and how they are paid for can make a difference. Most likely, you don't need the additional stress of financial concerns.

Induction and Maintenance

The idea of induction is to load the medicine into your system so it starts working as soon and as effectively as possible. Either the medicine dose will be higher or more often the first few times you get it. The you'll get the medicine on a regular basis as maintenance treatment for your Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The amount of the medicine that stays in your blood stream will often be monitored to make sure that your intestine can benefit from the medicine.