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How long for remicade infusions?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/28/2007 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
I have to go for my first remicade infusion and i was wondering how long it usually takes? I need to know how much money to put in the parking meter. lol   Just kissing. I will use all day parking, but I just wanted to know if I should bring a thick book to read or not? I am having it done at the hospital. I guess my G.I. gets his freinds there to do it for him? thanks for the replies
Posted 10/28/2007 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
I'd plan to be there from 9am-3pm, so bringing a book is a good idea. If they give you pre-meds of benedryl and solumedrol, you'll probably sleep for the first hour or so. You'll also want to bring a cooler with lunch and something to drink. I hope the infusion goes well for you and that it is what brings you into remission.

Just a word of caution: If you feel weird at all during the infusion, like you might be having an allergic reaction (rapid heartbeat, flushed face, and/or difficulty breathing), please call the nurse right away to have her stop the infusion. That happened to me a couple of times, and it was scary.
Posted 10/28/2007 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi For me it took 2 or 3 hours tops. Best Wishes with your Rem. and hoping you all the best. lol gail
Posted 10/28/2007 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Had mine done at my GI's infusion center. The first one took longer because of first time paperwork, pre-meds, etc. That was four hours. Thereafter, my infusions were 2.5 to 3 hours max. I know that hospitals sometimes have their pharmacy mix the Remicade instead of the infusion nurse. If that is the case, factor in time for the order to get to pharmacy, get completed and sent to where you are.

I always took a book even though each cubicle had a ceiling mounted flat screen TV above the recliner - not much of a daytime TV fan. I've heard that hospital infusion centers often serve lunch if you are there over lunch time. Not so at my GI's place. I always took a brown bag of snacks to munch on.
Posted 10/28/2007 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
I am never there more than 3 hours. I get mine done ina hopsital infusion center, and every recliner/bed has its own tv. I also bring a book at times, or my laptop and get on the internet. I always bring someone with me, so in the off chance that I do have a reaction or something happens, then they will know what was done to me and so on......
Posted 10/28/2007 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi it usally takes 2-3 hour for my infusion. I take a nap during my infusion.
Posted 10/28/2007 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
I get mine done at a hospital, and it usually takes about five to six hours. I think the most time is taken waiting for the pharmacy. They can't mix the Remicade until you are there and cleared for an infusion. I guess this is because the Remicade is so expensive, they don't want to waste it. I am also a hard stick for IVs, so that ends up taking some time too, because the nurses try twice, then they call the IV team, and I have to wait for them. Anyway, hope your infusion goes well. Take care!
Posted 10/28/2007 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Mine used to take about 3 hours by the time the pharmacy mixed the Remicade, nurses got my IV in (never was an easy stick), and then the infusion. Definitely bring a book, a snack, etc.
Posted 10/28/2007 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!

I am 26 years old and was diagonsed with Crohns disease 14 years ago.  I have a 3 and 6 yr.old.  I have been taking Remicade for over 2 yrs. now, I have a treatment every 4 wks at double the normal dosage.  I have had 30 surgeries due to all types of complications; most of which are due to the Crohns.  The infusions have helped me live at least 50% of a normal life. 

Usually the treatments take about 3 hours.  I haven't have many side effects, except: feeling tired and nauseous.  I recommend you to ask your infusionist for ZOFRAN for nausea.  It helps me alot. 

Posted 10/28/2007 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the replies. It always helps to have an idea of what were in for.
anxiety and stress cant be good for our situations. I will be sure to bring a good book and definately ask for the anti-nausea meds. I am impressed with turtle....you and your strength give us all hope. It's good to know that we can go through sosososooo much and still be the stronger and better people for it. Thanks all for the replies church,ga,ides,mom,teddy,jellybean,life,and turtle Have a great life..its the only one we get so lets make the best of it.
Posted 10/29/2007 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
umm....they usually give me a steriod shot which I have to wait 30 minutes after that, before I can start the actual med. Remicade usually takes at least 3-4 hours. A long time I know, but its worth it. Eventhough I haven't reached full remission yet, my symptoms are now tolerable. Good luck to you and I hope this works!
Posted 10/29/2007 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
it takes me about 3 hours and i am shot for the day because of the benadryl. i went for my first one with paperwork and things to do, and once i got the benadryl i was out like a light for 3 hours! when i got home i wanted to nap as well. try and set aside your day accordingly- if you are not sleepy you will have a day all to yourself! 

Posted 10/29/2007 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Takes about 2.5 hours at my infusion center.
They give me a Claratin tablet instead of benadryl,
so I don't get drowsy at all.
Posted 10/29/2007 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
It depends upon where I went. When I had it done at the hospital, it took 6 hours or so because I waited and waited to get going. If at the doctor, it was more like 2-3 hours. I always refused Benadryl until i started to react so I was able to return to work.

i brought my laptop with movies, a book, and work to do as well.
Posted 11/8/2007 12:17 AM (GMT 0)

i've been on remicade for the past two years.as you may or may not know,remicade is given through an IV inffusion.once they get it going,the inffusion usually takes 2 to 3 hours.so,if you get bored easily like me,bring a good book and a friend or family member.if you have anymore questions,please ask.

drs

 

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