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Remicade antibodies test and the test of when the body runs out of remicade

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/8/2016 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
I will have my 5th infusion next week. I was planning to travel to UK at the beginning of next month for 2 weeks and so my GI told me after you return, you will have to have these 2 tests: one for antibodies and the other one for how long remicade stays in your system . If it turns out that you run out of remicade after 5 weeks, as you say, you will have it every 6 weeks. It has to be on scientific bases.
What are these tests? I found a lot on remicade antibodies but nearly nothing on the second that tells when my body runs out of remicade. Actually, I don't know it's name. Could anyone please fill me in?
Posted 6/8/2016 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
So the test is called PROMETHEUS Anser IFX, do a search for that and you should come up with a bunch of stuff. It will show if you have antibodies and check the levels of Remicade in your body.

It's quite the expensive test, my GI wanted me to have it. But my insurance turned me down, said there wasn't enough "science" behind it being legit. So I couldn't have it. But it's good that you can, it will answer those questions for you so you know how it's working.
Posted 6/8/2016 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Jen77, thank you. I'll look into it. I don't know how expensive it is in my country and whether the insurance would cover it or not. Hope they will.
Take care :)
Posted 6/9/2016 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, hopefully it's covered for you! I've read online that it can be upwards of $2,500 here with no insurance coverage. Just no way was I going to do that. It's a shame they don't want to cover better here for it.
Posted 6/19/2016 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Had the prometheus test a month ago, had to get authorization from insurance co.

They billed to insurance the balance of $2500 out of which I had to pay 10%, $250
Posted 6/20/2016 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
my doctor ordered the test but it was called "Infliximab Conc with reflex to Antibody Mayo Test Code INFXR"
its the same test but ordered through a different lab, insurance covered it

it basically measures the level of the drug in your serum. if the drug level is high, they call it a day. if the levels are kind of low, they will test for antibodies to the drug

check this link out (sorry I dont know how to make it live)

http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/63437
Posted 6/20/2016 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Fernando and Dikid, thank you very much.
@Fernando. My GI ordered the infliximab trough level test. Insurance said I have to pay the money and then claim it back.
@ Dikid. Thank you for the link. I'll check it.
Take care :)
Posted 6/21/2016 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so jealous that you guys have insurance companies that covered it! So annoyed with mine, saying there wasn't enough evidence that it's a legit test. Anything to not have to pay for something I swear!
Posted 6/21/2016 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
My insurance company is the king of refusals. But this hospital knows how to bill things to get things that are not normally covered approved.
I always do labs there unless it's super basic cuz they are the best!
And there is very good scientific evidence to show these tests are necessary
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