Onto my 3rd biologic..here I come Remicade

Hello everyone,

So it looks like I am onto my 3rd biologic--tried Humira last year, then Cimzia as my insurance wouldn't cover Remicade and my recent symptoms necessitated either another increase in my Cimzia dose or Remicade and my insurance wouldn;t cover the upped Cimzia dose, so it looks like I am headed toward Remicade.

The last year and a half have been bad, the last six months the worst, with a hospitalization and couple rounds of prednisone. I am told I have a weird case in that my main symptoms just this year have been severe mouth ulcers, sinus inflammation, and skin issues such as large painful pimples all over my body as well as erythema nodosum on my legs.

I have been doing the Paleo diet for over two monhths, the goal being to reduce intestinal permeability, but my symptoms(mainly the mouth sores, absolutely brutal, haven't been able to eat any solid foods for about two weeks) just aren't going away.

Any advice about Remicade? I have heard the infusions take awhile and that they usually give you Benadryl or something, right?

I am actually kind of excited to get this started as I would LOVE to get into a real remission, one that lasts more than a month.

I have had 3 doses as well. The doctor that runs the infusion center where I get my Remicade does not use Tylenol or Benadryl unless you display signs of an allergic reaction. I have had no problems at all with the Remicade so have not needed any additional medications. I feel fine when I leave, even went to pilates after my last dose. I think it can be the Benedryl that makes people feel drowsy. I have noticed improvements, but am not 100% yet. That may come soon though! The doctor that runs the infusion center (Not my GI) told me that he felt Remicade was more effective than Humira or Cimzia, so I am keeping that in mind and trying to keep a positive attitude about everything. Good luck!!!