Anyone using IV med to treat Colitis?

KOB821

New Member

Joined : May 2009

Posts : 7

Posted 12/12/2009 4:10 AM (GMT 0)

I had a colonoscopy done last week and my colitis got worst. I am taking 30mg prednisone and sufazine. I tired 6-MP but it didn't work I had really bad headache and vomit while taking that. The 2 choices I have is to try another immunomodulators or there's another med that go in with IV. (I don't remember the name) My doctor said that's an expensive med. I am not sure if anyone taking that? Does it work?

Lonie

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 6448

Posted 12/12/2009 4:48 AM (GMT 0)

I believe you are referring to Remicade. I've been on it for about 4 1/2 years and I'm in total remission! It's been heaven sent for me; I was on every med and diet prior to taking the Remicade, and really felt it was my only hope before total colon removal. It has given me my life back. My infusions are every eight weeks and take about 2 hours. If you have any other questions, let me know!

beeswax

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2009

Posts : 545

Posted 12/13/2009 6:53 PM (GMT 0)

I have also had Remicade for my UC. My doctor just had me have 3 treatments to put me into remission. It worked but after several months I had another flare. My co-pay after insurance was a little over $2000. for the 3 iv infusions. I am still paying it. Without insurance those 3 treatments would have been over $10,000. I think there may be some assistance programs if you do not have insurance. There are a lot of potential serious side effects. It is worth looking at the Remicade web-site. They can send you additional info.

Lonie

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 6448

Posted 12/13/2009 8:46 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, they are expensive and you can apply for assistance on the Centacor website; www.centacor.com and go to the patient assistance program. Also, needymeds (not sure if it's .com or .org) might be able to help too.

Burli

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 1267

Posted 12/14/2009 2:41 AM (GMT 0)

i used Remicade; you can shop around a little to save money on the infusions; a hospital will charge much more than a private nurse who comes to your house; my insurance paid 90%

KOB821

New Member

Joined : May 2009

Posts : 7

Posted 12/22/2009 2:46 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for all your reply. That's really expensive. $2000 after co-pay that's ridiculous. I don't know if I can afford it. I am going to see another specialist tomorrow who only treat colitis patients. Hopefully she will have some other options for me. I just started Rowasa like a week ago, I felt better but not sure if the Rowasa doing the work or prednisone.

Burli

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 1267

Posted 12/22/2009 7:23 AM (GMT 0)

My infusion's are $385 (after insurance) from the in-house nurse. I get another in a week, then a month, then once every 3 months.

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