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How long does it take for Remicade to get out of your system?

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Posted 3/18/2008 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

  I was told by my specialist that I have developed anti-bodies to Remicade and can not take it anymore.

He also said that before I could try any other treatments, the Remacide need to be gone from my system.

Anyone know how long this could take? (the specialist couldn't tell me how long this would take)

Thanks,

 M

Posted 3/19/2008 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I developed antibodies to Remicade as well. My specialist couldn't tell me how long it would take to get the Remicade out of my system, either. However, I haven't had an infusion in over 2 months now and I still have symptoms from the allergic reaction it caused me. I didn't notice them for awhile as I am on prednisone, but as I taper I am starting to feel joint pain again.
Posted 3/19/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Trickynikki- Your joint pain can be a result of the prednisone taper. Ask you doctor about slowing down the tapering dose. I decreased 2.5mg every two weeks and had NO joint pain...it was lovely! The first taper I was trying to reduce 5mg every week and the joint pain was horrible.

Magnetic- I don't know how long it takes Remicade to get out of your system. I did build antibodies to it too. I was having infusions every 6 weeks and about a month after the last Rem. infusion my GI put me on Humira. I did fine with this time frame for the switch-a-roo. I like the Humira 100 times better too!

Good Luck to you Both!
Posted 3/20/2008 6:28 AM (GMT 0)
I believe remicade is stored in your liver w/ a slow release. It depends on your dose, but I believe it takes at least 4 weeks to be removed from your body if your infusion is every 4 weeks. I was told the anti-bodies take months to go away, but not remicade, that's is gone much sooner.
Posted 3/20/2008 5:26 PM (GMT 0)

mommdisme , thats interesting ... i guess it is then very important to have a perfectly functioning liver to help the remicade work best ? ..

have you read this on the net anywhere , ive been searching about how it works in the body and cant find anything so far , i would be very greatful if you can point me in the right direction . probably sounds very obvious but i would love to read something about it and the liver etc

Posted 3/20/2008 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
The half-life of Remicade is 21 days. That means that a dose of Remicade infused on the 1st of the month, will be half gone from the body one the 21st of the month. In theory then, the remainder of the medication will be gone from the body by day 42. However, some people are known to metabolize the medication more quickly, and others more slowly.

When I developed antibodies to Remicade, my GI told me I needed to wait at least 6 weeks, but preferably 8 weeks, before I could start Humira. He wanted to make sure that my body had time to resolve the antibody situation. He didn't want there to be any possibility that my reaction to Remicade lingered and could effect my body's ability to handle the Humira.
Posted 2/26/2014 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
Ides so after waiting for the antibodies from remicade to leave yiur system after 8 weeks did the Humira work for you? ? I have developed antibodies to Remicade after my 9th infusion. . I have excruciating migrating joint pain.. they have just put me on prednisone for that.. I have crohns / colitis. . Theyre gunna switch me to Humira in about 8 weeks.. this joint pain is absolutely killing me.. never ever had joint pain prior to remicade. . So remi has caused this.. will this joint pain ever go away?? Im very worried. . Thanks :-)
Posted 2/26/2014 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Cooltiger - what type of antibodies? Antibodies to the protein in Remicade or lupus antibodies? I developed lupus antibodies. I only took Humira for 2.5 months. It seemed to keep my Crohn's under control.

However, I developed drug-induced lupus from the Humira. Horrid problems that took one year to resolve. That is why I asked what type of antibodies you developed.
Posted 2/27/2014 9:16 AM (GMT 0)
My ANA levels are greater than 2, 500 when I did blood test.. they were zero before. . They just said that im building up antibodies to Remicade.. this is causing major joint pain. . My inflammatory markers are all over the place they said.. I had my last remicade infusion on 2 Jan so its 8 weeks today since I had my last infusion. . I started humira x 4 injections today, first loading dose. . Every time I ask the docs how long this excruciating joint pain will last, ni ibe can answer me.. im so angry with them.. I never ever had joint pain before remi.. the remi antibodies has definitely caused this. . Just wondering how long it takes for this pain to go away and get the antibodies out of my system. . Thank you so much :-)
Posted 2/27/2014 9:22 AM (GMT 0)
The migrating joint pain is the only problem I get.. no lupus butterfly rash or anything like that. . Usually after 6 weeks after an infusion the pain starts.. it happened after my 8th and 10th infusion only the previous infusions there were no problems with the joint pain. . The joint pain was my only bad thing. .
Posted 2/27/2014 9:28 AM (GMT 0)
I meant 9th and 10th infusion (typo). . Sorry Ides.. I don't know what kinda antibodies I have.. lupus or protein.. better ask them .. thank you Ides
Posted 2/27/2014 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
With the positive ANA you have developed antibodies that occur in lupus. Hopefully in 6-8 weeks following your last Remicade infusion you should see the antibodies decreasing. It may take a few more weeks for them to clear your system. Now comes the big BUT - if your joint pain doesn't start to subside of you develop extreme fatigue, please see a rheumatologist! You may need treatment for the lupus antibodies. Also, they need to continue to monitor the antibody levels. Humira carries the same risk for developing these antibodies.
Posted 3/3/2014 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi cooltiger,

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this! My last Remicade infusion was in August and I am still dealing with the Lupus antibodies. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I agree with Ides--please see a rheumatologist if this does not go away soon.

Take care and keep us posted!
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