comments about Remicade

[Jabberwocky]

This is my first go at a P chatroom. I'm 38, have had P for 30 years, PA for 5 years. Used Enbrel 25 mg once a week my second year of having PA. It was a miracle for about a year and a half (skin COMPLETELY cleared, aches and pain subsided). After 18 months the Enbrel started to lose it's effectiveness. This last year it quit working completely. I got my first Remicade infusion 3 days ago and feeling crummy with sore throat and some significant nausea. Anybody on Remicade feel the same side-effects? Do they get them after every infusion? Also, how long until you feel relief? I'm sure it's different from person to person, just trying to get a general idea.
Thanks in advance.

[RichJ]

hi Jabberwocky,
sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you will met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you. more will come through and help you

have a good day all

richard

[mamaooch]

I have had my second infusion, my third will be at the end of August. I have not had the sore throat or nausea after the infusions, just a little tired the day after. I am already finding relief from my PA, my ribs do not hurt CONSTANTLY now, just when I over do it. The Remicade has helped while Enbrel and Humira have not. If you want background read the thread "PA of Ribs".

Have a great day and welcome to the boards.

Cindy

[Momelie]

I think I'm on the same schedule as Mamaooch. Two Remicade infusions, and my third will be the end of August, 31st I think.

I had a mild sore throat after my first infusion, and a little nausea after the second. I thought it was because I refused the benedryl (I had a test following the infusion). For the few days after I was really tired, like a dead battery, kind of.

I'm hoping my third infusion will be the charm!

[Stillworking]

I have been on Remicade for 18 months now and each infusion effects me differently. Usually I can go back to work the next day, but a few times, the next day I felt very tired and achy. My insurance bounced me around to different infusion sites, so that may also have had an effect. Could be just the thouught of an infusion is getting to you. I can usually feel the pain subsiding a few days later. Now I am going to start a 6 week infusion schedule to prevent flares that have been bothering me. It is hard to play catch up with flares, much easier to stop them before they start if you can. My manners are not good tonight. Hi and welcome. Hope Remicade helps you. Glad to answer any questions that I can

[cajungirl]

I have had 6 infusions thus far of Remicade. I have had problems getting upper respiratory infections, headaches, fatigue etc. I haven't had any problems with nausea. I put up with it all because it has done miracles for my p and pa!

I hope it gets better for you!

[PJ Leary]

Hi,

I too experienced a loss of efficacy with enbrel after about 18 months, and made the switch to Remicade just a year ago. I was flaring when I started, in September, and was clear in January. Still am. Good relief for the PA as well.

I don't get the nausea, but do get tired after the treatment. By the next day I am fine. I usually go in the middle of the day, and bring a good lunch to munch on during treatment. I read and relax, eat, etc.

I haven't had much trouble with infections, but I am careful to protect myself by staying away from high risk places ( like elementary schools in winter ). If I even begin to feel crummy, I take the day off and rest. ( Gives a chance to catch up here ).

When I was fighting my insurance company for coverage earlier this year, I went about 15 weeks between treatments, which is a little longer than any of us like. When I started, I was pre-medicated for several days with attarax and tylenol prn every 4 hours, as wello as just before my infusion. They did a nice slow drip on that one ( about 4 hours ), and watched me closely. I had no trouble at all, and since then have been fine back on schedule.

You might want to ask your Dr about some pre-medication to help with the side effects you are experiencing. Perhaps a little medication for the nausea would be a help.

Hoping that all of you have as much good luck with this medication as I have.

Regards,

[mamaooch]

Hi,

I too experienced a loss of efficacy with enbrel after about 18 months, and made the switch to Remicade just a year ago. I was flaring when I started, in September, and was clear in January. Still am. Good relief for the PA as well.

I don't get the nausea, but do get tired after the treatment. By the next day I am fine. I usually go in the middle of the day, and bring a good lunch to munch on during treatment. I read and relax, eat, etc.

I haven't had much trouble with infections, but I am careful to protect myself by staying away from high risk places ( like elementary schools in winter ). If I even begin to feel crummy, I take the day off and rest. ( Gives a chance to catch up here ).

When I was fighting my insurance company for coverage earlier this year, I went about 15 weeks between treatments, which is a little longer than any of us like. When I started, I was pre-medicated for several days with attarax and tylenol prn every 4 hours, as wello as just before my infusion. They did a nice slow drip on that one ( about 4 hours ), and watched me closely. I had no trouble at all, and since then have been fine back on schedule.

You might want to ask your Dr about some pre-medication to help with the side effects you are experiencing. Perhaps a little medication for the nausea would be a help.

Hoping that all of you have as much good luck with this medication as I have.

Regards,

Great news PJ! I am hoping for the same success. I am going to have to be very careful because I go back to work at a K-2 school teaching computer skills. I love the kids, but they can be quite germy. I will be constantly washing my hands, using antibacterial gel and keeping the lab as germ free as possible.

I am so happy you are doing so well on the Remicade.

Have a great day!
Cindy