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Remicade - Worse then better?

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Posted 1/31/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi: I just started Remicade and had my second infusion on Thursday. I haven't noticed any improvement whatsoever. I know it can take up to 5 infusions. My question is... does anyone feel worse right after the infusion. For the 2-3 days after both my infusions, I swear my bm's have doubled, then it seems to go back to normal. Oh, and believe me, normal isn't so great. Have other people experienced this?
Posted 1/31/2009 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi When I was on Rem. it seemed my bowels would move good for awhile too ,actually I would go sometimes during the treatment or right after. Is your pain decreasing? lol gail
Posted 1/31/2009 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to bust in on your thread here...I've never been on Remicade so I can't speak about it. However, since you're talking about Remicade, can you tell me how often Remicade infusions are given and how long the infusions take each time?

I've heard 2 hours per infusion but I've also heard some people go every week and some people go every 3 weeks to a month. Does that have to do with the dosage amount your doctor prescribes?
Posted 2/1/2009 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
No one should be going every week for an infusion! They range from 4-8 weeks usually. The first 3 infusions are at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then you usually go to every 8 weeks after that. I go every 8 weeks. My dr. said that she would increase my dose before she moved my infusions closer together. Then when that isnt working anymore she'll start moving the infusions closer together.

I was on 60 bg of pred when I started remicade so I can't say when it started working unfortunately. Hang in there dietcoke.
Posted 2/1/2009 2:36 AM (GMT 0)

I have my infusion every 6 weeks.  From the time I arrive to the time I walk out the door it takes about three and a half hours.  The actual infusion may only take about two hours, but they don't start mixing until after you get there and weigh in, and then they take a little time when it's done to be sure you're OK.

From the beginning I saw an immediate difference after my infusion.  I used to feel a little tired afterwards, but that isn't so bad any more.  I've never had the achey, flu-like symptoms that some have.  For the last two infusions I've had a little bit of bleeding in the days after, though.  I was particularly disappointing to see that blood today, since I had my infusion on Thursday and started a short course of Pred today for my Rheumatologist.

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