Psoriatic Arthritis and Remicide

[G.J.]

My newly afflicted PA 74 yr old father has been on Methotrexate for 11 weeks and his Rhemy said he's gained 75% of movement back but wants to up his Meth to one mg for the next 5 weeks. After that, she'd then have him receive Remicide infusions as well as the one mg of Meth and physical therapy. He does not want the infusions and feels he's doing okay with the Meth. Why both? Anyone have experience with Remicide?

[Shana Hansen]

Hi G.J.,
My daughter has been recieving Remicade infusions since January for Psoriasis as she has an extreme case where it has affected her oesphagus. She has been on other medications with it until this month so we weren't sure how well it was working though we knew it was helping some because she would start to get worse when she was due for another treatment. Well she was due for a treatment this past week but they couldn't get us in so have it set up for next week but you can sure tell she is needing it. One of the reasons they want to have people on other medications is because some how it prevents you from building antibodies to the remicade. They had a presentation on the Remicade at the conference and they were saying how you could build antibodies to it but used in conjunction with some other meds it would be ok. NPF would probably have better info on that. Tell your father not to be scared of the infusion part. It's a breeze, they put the IV in and then you relax for a couple of hours and it's done. Hey if my little 2yr old can handle it he can. She screams for the IV being put it but she knows as soon as she gets done with that she gets to play Nintendo or watch a video. Let me know if you have any other Q's.
Take care,
Shana

[whatsup]

Hi G.J.,

Remicade combined with methotrexate has changed my life. Generally, Remicade is prescribed with MTX. It is surprising that your dad's rheumy wants to add Remicade when he is happy with the MTX. I was on MTX for a year (and progressively getting worse in terms of inflamation, movement and pain) before adding Remicade. As Shana says, the infusions are easy (but somewhat time consuming--3 hours). But what is 3 hours every 8 weeks when the medicine allows you to live with much less pain and stiffness? I'm really happy to be on Remicade. You can read more about my experience in the message titled "Remicade" on this board. Good luck to your father!

Stacy