What's it like taking biologics?

I'm on Remicade, and I'm also 20 weeks pregnant. I was on mesalamines and Imuran before Remicade, and the difference is incredible. It takes a day to do the Remicade usually, by the time you get to the doctor, get set up, etc. I've never had any pain with the drip at all, and that include the Phenegran they give me with it. It makes me a bit nauseated, but most people don't have that problem. It also gives me a migraine that goes into the next day, but I have migraines anyway and most people don't seem to have that problem (prednisone also gives me migraines).

Please don't be scared. I think you'll be JUST fine! :)

I've just finished my start up doses of remicade and its made a world of difference in only three months I think it's been. They don't give you a sedative per se, but they will likely give you Tylenol and Benadryl to keep you comfortable. In my case, they stopped giving me Benadryl because it got me agitated instead of relaxed. A lot of people get really tired after an infusion, but this is usually because of the Benadryl not the remicade. Since I've stopped the Benadryl I have no problem going back to regular activities right after the infusion. The infusion caused me absolutely no problems, pain, or discomfort. Kind of just like getting fluids through an iv. The only obvious pain is getting the iv started, but you get very used to it, they usually numb the area with spray, and it only lasts a second. So worth it in my opinion and induced remission incredibly quickly. Everybody is different, so I can't guarantee that you'll have the same experience, but I would recommend that you consider it and keep calm because you'll probably do fine with it. :)

I didn't think remicade was too bad at all. the day of the infusion and for 2 days after I would have a bad migraine and wouldn't be able to go anywhere. was also extremely tired and needed a lot of rest. I was very sensitive to light during those days so it was best if I just sat in a dark room and waited for the headache to go away.

besides that, I had joint pains/frozen joints and ended up stopping remicade when my doctor wanted to double my dosage. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle more joint problems and worse headaches.

- What's the process? Do they give you a sedative etc before your first infusion?

Before my infusions, I take 2 Tylenol (before I leave work) and then when I get in the infusion room, I am given one Claritin. They take my initial blood pressure, pulse, ask me how I am doing since the last infusion, then get the IV in. (Hate that part.) No sedative at all. You don't need one. It's just an IV drip.

- Does it hurt during the infusion? I've had drips before which were fine, but I know the injections are supposed to be super painful.

The only thing that hurts is the IV going in. I never get it numbed, too many numbing needles and I don't like the way they do it at the place I go. It hurts a bit for me at the beginning (it's cold fluid) but it goes away. My hand gets a little bit red but it's due to pain response there, not a big deal.

- How do you feel afterwards? Would you be able to go back to work? How about the next day?

I could go back to work if I wanted to, but I choose work the first half of my day then leave for the infusion. It's a non-penalized half day "off" work for me. I go home right after, eat dinner, then nap or go to bed early. I am ready to go the next day. My hospital/clinic eliminated Friday infusion days due to staffing issues, so I'm stuck with doing it on a Thursday now. I preferred Fridays when I first started out, but Thursdays are fine now that I know I am ok with it all.

- How do you deal with a weakened immune system? I take a lot of public transport. Are you super careful about germs? Should you be?

I feel fine. I wash my hands plenty, carry antibacterial and use that when I can't wash my hands right away or feel like I touched something dirty. I go out like any normal person, even though when I have to get a cart at the grocery store I have a minor freak out in my head with the germs, but I get over it. Just don't touch your eyes/ears/nose/mouth without washing your hands first.

I haven't been sick with a cold or anything like that since starting the infusions. I have also been on azathioprine (Imuran) since January 2009, and I still take it with the Remicade now.

Just be sure to get your fresh air, keep yourself healthy with eating right and getting your rest. You will be fine.

I started Remicade in August 2011. I was having a really bad time starting in May 2011, which was when my previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was confirmed to be Crohn's. My doc suggested Remicade at that time...and I told him I'd think about it....it was disaster after disaster, still not feeling better and in a flare, and I decided to go on Remicade. I'm **so** glad I did. By the second infusion, I felt great, much better, no major diarrhea trips anymore, not waking up at night to poo, just all around better. I was still tired, fatigued, but getting my strength and life back slowly.

Today, I am feeling good. I still have the normal ups and downs (just around my period) but other than that, nothing bad happening on the inside. I have another infusion today actually. =]

I hope this helps you out. Try not to freak yourself out about it. I did that before my first infusion, and I was shaking in the chair, and they couldn't set me up right away until I calmed down. After I got through it, I wondered why the hell I was so nervous. It was NOTHING. I bring my iPad with me, watch movies, browse the internet, RELAX, and enjoy the scenery.