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When Remicaid fails

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/28/2008 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have been taking Remicaid successfully for about 4 years. I started the recomended 8 week intervals, that was changed to 7 weeks, and now I am at about every 6 weeks. Well that seems to not be soon enough, weeks before I feel the crohn's returning, honestly I don't know what to do. My GI Dr. says if we go to every 4 weeks he feels I should change to another Med. So here I am, looking for something else, any advice?

Posted 3/28/2008 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
I have just been taken off Remicade for several reasons but 1 was 2 wks after an infusion they finally tested the Remicade levels in my blood and found no trace. I had felt like you... 2 wks after an infusion, I was feeling symptoms coming back. I was put on Humira last month. Though the first dose went great, the 2nd did not. I ended up in ER with a bad allergic reaction. So now I am just taking the 6MP and hoping that a new drug is coming soon.
Posted 3/28/2008 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I had to stop Remicade after 2.75 years because it was making me more ill after the infusions than I felt right prior to the infusion. I was switched to Humira. I had the initial loading doses, 160 mg then 2 weeks later, 80 mg. Then I gave myself 40 mg injections every two weeks. After the 4th of the 40mg injections, I had a severe reaction.

Many people here have had good success switching to Humira when Remicade no longer worked. I unfortunately was not one of them. Fortunately, my gut was in remission when I went off the Remicade and has remained that way. I am on Imuran. I went onto Humira because I have ankylosing spondylitis and that was not under control.

One thing about Humira - it is a prescription med as opposed to Remicade, usually classified as a medical treatment by insurance companies. Some people find that their out-of-pocket costs for Humira are very high. You might want to check your plan. If you and your doctor decide Humira is the way to go and your insurance costs will be unaffordable, there is an assistance program your doctor can help you apply for.
Posted 3/29/2008 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
When Remicade was not doing the trick for me every 8 weeks, my GI cut the dose in 1/2 and moved me to a 4 week schedule. After my cd was under control again, we went back to every 8 weeks but stayed at the 1/2 dose level. Went for 900 cc to 450 ccs.
Posted 3/29/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
I built antibodies to the Remicade. Switched to Humira 40mg every week. I am also on an alternating dose of Imuran 100mg one day and 75mg the next day. My white count after about six months on the Humira is now 8.2 and my sed rate @ 17. These drugs have been a huge success for me right now and I hope they continue to be!
Posted 3/29/2008 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the posts, any advice helps. Boy oh boy this crohn's is unforgiving, as I wait till tuesday the crohns symptoms are in full swing, I had to cut short a trip to store. While in the store my body was going haywire, I had to leave. I can't wait till tuesday, hope the infusion works, if not I might have to seek something else, wish me luck.

Posted 3/29/2008 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
I had to switch from Remicade to Humira. It worked great after just the loading dose and I've had no reactions or side effects.

Better than that, it's MUCH cheaper for me! I only pay $40 for a box of shots (2 doses), instead of the several hundred dollars I spent on each Remicade treatment.

I hope you find something that works well for you soon - it's miserable not having it under control.
Posted 3/29/2008 7:53 AM (GMT 0)
I switched to Humira too when Remicade stopped working. So far so good! It is way cheaper for me as well!
Posted 3/29/2008 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Ok how about MTX shots? Or the afore mentioned Humira?
Posted 3/30/2008 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I will be going Tuesday for my Remicaid Infusion, I had to call the DR. first and I told him I was having symptoms like I was having a flareup and I was afraid it would spiral out of control if I waited. I will have the chance to get some more information reguarding Humara, maybey it might be time to try something new. I only fear rocking the boat, if anyone is like me, my body is so touchy when it comes to change. I just am seeking some relief, as I am also on so many meds for pain from 3 prior sugeries, wish me luck.
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