Poison ivy & biologics

When were you exposed to the poison ivy? It usually peaks a few days after you were exposed, then gradually goes away.

I'm not sure there is much if any data on Remicade use in a person with poison ivy. Some docs will be more cautious about it than others.

I did a search for urushiol (the oil in poison ivy that causes the reaction) and infliximab/remicade, and I don't see much, but some links suggest that Remicade can actually help with poison ivy. I didn't see anything that it could be made worse. The one concern I would have is that when you have poison ivy, the skin breaks may be slightly more susceptible to local skin infections, and remicade could increase that chance. I'd just focus on making sure the area is kept clean, and not to pick at it and leave open sores.

I have had poison ivy for 3 weeks and tomorrow starts Week #4. My Remicade infusion was canceled today but not because of the poison ivy. I am having minor surgery next week. I was told the Remicade makes my poison ivy last longer and that has been the case here. Still breaking out and have many rashes along w/the bumps.

So now I must wait 8 more weeks. Has anyone switched to something non-biologic for their diseases? I have RA, not Crohn's (my daughter has CD) and have had it for 18 years.

I offer my sympathies for having this itchy and horrible skin condition. After trying many remedies and none healed but assuaged symptoms, I am seeing a dermatologist tomorrow.

I was going to suggest a higher dose of Prednisone until I saw your last post. The 60mg should definitely help. I get poison ivy often (feels like I look at it and get it..lol) and I usually have to get a steroid shot and then start the prednisone step down pack to clear it up. I have Crohn's and I am on Remicade. I had a few small patches of poison ivy last Summer that were still hanging around on the day of my infusion. My doc didn't want to give me the infusion at first. He said it's not that Remicade will make it worse, but since Remicade suppresses the immune system it can keep your body from being able to fight off the poison ivy which in turn could cause it to get worse. He agreed to do the infusion, but gave me a dose of prednisone in my IV first and made me promise to follow up if the poison ivy got any worse. It cleared within 3 days. My personal opinion is that if your poison ivy hasn't greatly improved by the time you're due for infusion, then I would put the infusion on hold...but I'm thinking you will be healing up soon with the higher dose of prednisone :) I hope you feel better soon!