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Remicade Question: What would you do?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/14/2010 8:15 AM (GMT 0)
Background:

*I have been on Remicade for 2 years with no issues.
*Before my most recent infusion I had a mild flare. Just mucus then after the infusion I was fine a couple days later.However, I was mildly ill when I had the infusion and became worse after the infusion. I ended up having to take antibiotics for the 1st time in 2 years. The antibiotics did not seem to affect my colitis (Thank God).
*I am currently sick with a cold. Similar symptoms to the last time. It is time for me to get another infusion. *I felt mild symptoms of a flare the other day then they went away.
*I was told to not let my Remicade go 4 days past or before my scheduled time.
* I left a message for my doc but have not heard back.

What would you do? Would you wait on getting the infusion? Would you look into antibiotics since the symptoms are almost the same but milder? I am feeling like it is a double edge sword here.
Posted 11/14/2010 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
 

I was taking Remicade for about a year with good results.  In between my 8 week infusion schedule, I got the flu really bad which ended up in pneumonia.  I went to the hospital and, despite my insistence that they not do it, they gave me antibiotics.  I got better in about 3 days however my UC flared and I was right back where I started.  I blame this on the antibiotics.

Long story short.  I continued with my infusions but noticed that the improvement with my UC flare was only working for about 3 weeks after the infusion.  My doc did a blood test and found that I had developed antibodies to Remicade.  I blame this on the antibiotics.

This is not a really good answer to your question, but if I were you, I would stay away from antibiotics and I can't imagine that a short delay of your infusion would cause any harm. 

Posted 11/14/2010 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
The nurses from the infusion clinic call me the day before my infusion and ask if I have cold or flu symptoms. If I do I'm not to get my infusion. I wouldn't. That's my opinion. Good luck!! It is scary being on this stuff, isn't it?
Posted 11/14/2010 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. I am going to cancel my infusion until next Monday and I am going to stay away from the antibiotics unless I am so sick that I can do nothing else. I don't know what I would do without this site.
Posted 11/15/2010 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, don't take your infusion if you are sick with a cold. I'm not sure they will even give it to you, as WIMOMOFTHREE mentioned. They always asked me too if I had any cold or flu symptoms. Hope you are feeling better soon!

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