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queastion about remicade.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 3/19/2007 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
 

    I was woundering about how long does each session of remicade last???  I think this is the med that im gonna go with. i like the fact that its only every couple of weeks. Instead of weekly or bi-weekly like humara or enbrel. Oh yeah and has anyone had any serious side effects with this med??   Take care guys.

Posted 3/20/2007 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there Sandie.. The frequency at which you get your remicade injections varies, depending on how advanced/severe your disease is.. I know some people that get it every 6 weeks.. and there are some (like the other Arthritis Mod, Erin) who gets it every 3.. You may start off at 4 weeks, and see how it goes... Did you check out the links that Keah posted for you? There is a lot of good info in there.. When do you go to see your rheumy next? Is he leaving the decision up to you on which TNF Inhibitor to take? The other thing to consider with the Remicade, is that you have to go to the doctor or hospital for it, and it can take a while, since it is administered by IV.. the Humira and Enbrel is a self injectable shot... True it is weekly or bi-weekly depending on the dosage, but it is more convenient (for some)... Let us know what you decide! Take good care..

Duck
Posted 3/20/2007 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Sandie,
It's my understanding that Remicade is started at closer intervals. The first dose at week 0, then again at weeks 2 and 6. From there, you move on to every 8 weeks unless it becomes necessary to move your infusions closer together.

The average time to complete an infusion is 3 to 4 hours, however that is dependent on a number of factors, including the organization of the infusion center you use. I've heard from some that they routinely have to wait for the pharmacy to send up the meds, while others report that it's always ready and waiting for their arrival.

It is possible that your first few infusions may be given at a slower rate, to help ensure that you don't have a reaction. In the event that you were to react, the infusion would be stopped and in most cases, after some benedryl and steroids, it would be restarted, at a much slower rate. So, this could take longer.

I really hope this works wonders for you. I've just had my second Humira injection and I'm feeling better than I've felt in months! Perhaps this is a placebo effect, but if that's true, I'll take it anyway!
Posted 3/24/2007 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I just started two weeks ago.  The infusion itself takes 2 hours, it's a slow drip. Any further time just depends on the efficiency of the facility. Fairly unremarkable, some people can get a headache, so my doc wants us to take our pain meds or tylenol before starting the session.  My second session was two days ago, and I think maybe I'm seeing a difference.  My case is extreme, or so I'm told.  I really think that's relative, we all hurt, and it just flat affects our very being.  I think you would benefit from all of the wonderful advice that I have been given, too much and too valuable for me to relay, go to the momwithra string and let it help you as it has me.

Posted 3/29/2007 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
hi Sandie,

i have been on Remicade for 6 months now.  my doc started me at 1 infusion then 2 weeks then 4 weeks....but i barely made it to the 4 weeks.  but it does go in those intervals & then it's titrated to how you do.  i know many folks who just go every 6 or 8 weeks.  i need to be on every 3 and if need be every 2 (it's a very severe RA).

 

i'm there for about 6 hours.  that's just personal info...some peeps are faster.

 

i had no problems with the infusions itself excpet a drop in BP.

 

i do however end up with a fever & swollen glands & what feels like the flu the week of the infusion (but i got a little bit going on here so that's probably not a common after effect)

 

i'm still waiting for some benefit for the RA...the Remicade helped a lot for the Crohns...

 

best wishes! keep positive.

:-)  

Posted 3/30/2007 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandy,
I am have been on remicade for over a year now. I go to a doctor's office and she usually has two of us going at a time. It is always there when I get there. I, too started at two weeks, four and then six I think. I am now doing it every eight weeks. It has helped and I hope it helps you, as well. Remicade also has a good website with loads of info. I really did not homeowrk before doing it. In my case I did not have a choice. Hope this helps and take care.
Blessings,
KodakPuppy
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