Posted 5/6/2014 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,
It's been a long time since I have posted, but I need your advice once again. I started Remicade last August, and for a short time, it seemed to bring welcomed relief from a very serious, and extended flare. I started having breakthrough symptoms between infusions in January, so they put me on a six week infusion schedule (from 8 week) and increased my dosage. When they did this my skin went CRAZY. I developed pustular psoriasis on my hands which is extremely painful. The doc said that it is a very rare side effect of Remicade (crazy since Remi is used to treat psoriasis.. go figure). My dermatologist has given me the strongest steroid cream available, and it does nothing to help. If it were only that, I could probably suck it up and deal with it, but in addition, I have developed skin abscesses. Lots of them. The dermatologist cultured a couple of them. One came back as Strep, and another some bacteria I have never heard of. I am on my THIRD round of antibiotics and they aren't clearing. I know I don't need to explain to you guys what a joy the antibiotics can be. They have given me antibiotic creams, and even had me take a bath in Clorox. My dermatologist wants me off Remicade as does my GP. They both say my immune system can't fight this infection. I saw my GI today and he has switched me to Humira. I know it is in the same class of drugs, so I am hesitant. He said that Humira is in the same class, but works differently and may not have the same effect on my skin as the Remicade has had. Anybody been down this road? I am really interested in hearing about skin problems you guys have had on Remi, and if anyone had a negative side effect of Remi (of any kind) and switched to Humira with a better result? Thanks as always. God bless.