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Late Remicade infusion?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/12/2007 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
I missed my Remicade infusion last month because of an emergency, and the next appointment I could get is next Saturday, 4 weeks later than I was supposed to get it.  I had serum sickness after being off of Remicade for 9 months during my pregnancy, and all my joints swelled up 6 days after being infused, and I could hardly move.  It was the worst pain I have ever experienced; every movement was sheer torture.  I'm very nervous about my infusion next week, wondering if my body has built up antibodies in the last month, and if I will have a nasty reaction, especially after my previous experience, and considering the fact that I typically have some minor reactions during my infusions as it is.  Has anyone ever been a few weeks late on their infusion, and if so, did you have a reaction?  Thanks!
Posted 10/12/2007 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
I'm actually going every 8 weeks now, though it's only been 3 weeks for me so far in between.  I think it's normal to go that long between infusions, but everyone's doctor seems to do it differently.  I don't have any experiences yet waiting this long, we'll see.
Posted 10/12/2007 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
Metallichic,
Did you get pre-meds for your last infusion that has caused you all of this trouble? I just had my very first infusion today. My doctor only does pre-meds if you have been off of Remi for a while, like you were with your pregnancy. The infusion nurse told me that it is MUCH more likely for you to have a reaction after stopping Remi and then restarting at another time. You should call your doctor and tell him/her all about what you experienced to see if you need to do a bit of pre-medication before the next infusion. I did take tylenol for the 2 days prior to my infusion and claratin for the two weeks leading up to the infusion. I guess we will see what tomorrow brings. I'm not sure if I'm going to feel like crap or not. I hope not.
Take care!
Posted 10/13/2007 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
I usually go every 8 weeks, this will be 12 weeks in between infusions.

I typically premedicate with 2 Tylenol, 2 Benadryl, 40 mg of prednisone for 5 days prior and 3 days after, Xantac, and Claritin. I did this before the serum sickness as well, and have every time since. I actually get infused at the doctor's office, so she sees what happens. During the infusion, when I get hives, become short of breath, or have tightness in my chest (which happens just about every time), I get solumedrol and more Benadryl. I'm very nervous about being 4 weeks late....
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