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Remicade losing its effect?

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Posted 8/13/2010 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Does remicade lose its effectiveness over time? Im about 6 weeks into my first maintenance cycle and im due for another infusion on the 24th, but as of a few days ago i have been getting cramps and have actually had some blood on the toilet paper when i wipe. Im pretty discouraged right now.I hope ill be ok after my next infusion because its been a real winner for me. any thoughts? btw im tapering off pred currently at 6mg
Posted 8/14/2010 7:06 AM (GMT 0)
I built up a resistance to remicade about 6 weeks after my third dose, but I wasn't on 6mp as I can't metabolize it. Trying to pair the remicade with methotrexate now, but it doesn't seem to be working very well. While the remicade was working I got pretty close to remission, but I also never got below 15 mg pred. Started looking into surgery after my first maintenance dose failed to do anything.

Wish I had better tidings to offer. Hopefully you'll have better luck with it than I did. I'd recommend you make sure your GI knows whats going on.
Posted 8/14/2010 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
To be honest, I think Remicade has more failures with patients with UC than successes. When I was getting Remicade infusions (failed after my third infusion but still went ahead with the 4th to no avail), most of the patients at the surgical center had Crohn's.
Posted 8/15/2010 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in the same spot as you right now...what dose are you on? Mine starts to wear off 3-4 weeks in and my loose BM's return. I'm going to be more than likely getting bumped up to every 6 weeks. I feel fantastic after the infusions but then gradually my loose BM's and slight bleeding returns. I'm going to ask for a higher dosage as I'm on the minimal at the moment and I'm due for my 5th infusion in about 3 weeks.
Posted 8/15/2010 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
blksteeda im on the same dose as you. 5mg/kg. mine seems to last for about 6 weeks. then i go down hill, this is the first time its gotten pretty bad though, i called yesterday and was told to start up the canasa suppositorys,proctofoam and mesalamine enamas 2 times daily, today i feel alot better. i think they are going to up me to 10mg/kg
Posted 8/15/2010 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
I've heard Remicade is intended for Crohn's more than UC. I had three treatments and it didn't do ANYTHING for me.
Posted 8/15/2010 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
yeah it is intended more for Crohns patients which is why my GI said UC patients usually require a higher dose
Posted 8/16/2010 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
It has been liquid gold for my daughter with UC, so don't give up too quickly. We did have to up the dose-stared too small at 5mgs per kilo at 12 weeks. Then up to 10mgs at 8 wks and now at 7 week intervals. BUT, it is responsible for complete remission. I know it is not permanent, but until it stops being effective, we are grateful for each day.
Posted 8/17/2010 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I had my third infusion last week. I was on prednisone during that time so I didn't know if the remicade was doing anything since I was feeling good on the prednisone. Now that I am down to 2mg of prednisone my symptoms are coming back, so it seems to me the remicade is not working. I have another appointment for 8 weeks from now, but I'm never going to make it. I have to call the doctor and see if he wants to bump me up and lessen the time in between. I'm really depressed because it took me a long time to accept taking the remicade and it seems to not be working at all. I'm only holding out the hope that I'm one of those people who it takes a while to kick in.
Posted 8/17/2010 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
It didn't start working for me until my 4th infusion...but it is working GREAT now. It starts to wear off about week5 though. Don't give up - it does take time.
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