Traveling to SE Asia or India/Nepal on Remicade

Hello! I was diagnosed with UC last summer and after trying various medications I started on Remicade last week. So far it’s been great, I could tell I was starting to come out of a steroid-induced remission but after starting the Remicade I’ve felt totally normal.

 

My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a trip in November to Thailand, India or Nepal. Has anyone traveled to any of these places while on Remicade? Luckily, my schedule works so I’ll have an infusion a week before I leave so I don’t have to worry about getting an infusion abroad. I’m more worried about any illnesses and diseases I need to worry about while being on an immunosuppressant. I know I can’t get any live vaccines, and I’m especially worried about an increased chance of tuberculosis. My doctor is okay with me going and suggested I consult a travel clinic as well, but all they said at the travel clinic was to "be careful" if I decide to go... whatever that means.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks!

I see you're not stopping over in China, but if you do, I know for certain that they have remicade infusions here (as well as most other meds too). I live in China.

sounds like a great trip. The only travelling I have done since remi is on a cruise to Alaska. I have done other trips while being on immune suppressants as well such as the Carribbean and England.

I don't stick my fingers in my eyes, up my nose or in my mouth and try not to touch my face/hair unless I have just immediately washed them (I wash my hands before I wash my face at night). I wash them before I eat anything (so many people do not do this). You can bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you. I don't go around washing them like crazy or anything but just back to the basics.

Definitely go see a Dr. or someone before you travel. My sister got amoebic dysentery when she was in Cambodia (it was awful!) she thougt it was fly or lizard poop that got onto something she ate (it does come from eating poop).

I am not on Remicade but I am on Imuran and I have traveled a lot. You have to be cautious with where you eat and what you eat but thats a standard travel advisory to everyone.

I have traveled to India as well and eaten really roadside food and drank (just filtered) tap water. Fortunately nothing bothered me but I can advice you, drink only bottled water in India, use hand sanitizer as much as you can. Eat at only reputable places and make a stay at reputed hotels only. If you are traveling on train, go on 2nd class AC coach minimum (if not first class). If at all, you turn out to be unfortunate enough, there are tons of able GIs in India and medicines will not be an issue.

It will be good to carry http://www.brita.com/products/filtering-bottle/brita-bottle/ as a backup, if you fail to find bottled water..

Good Luck traveling (and be prepared for a cultural shock.)

Full disclosure, I am an Indian living outside India for more than a decade and my immunity is as good as any Westerner nowadays so India to a Western Tourist and me is almost same.. Its changing too fast in all respects, good and bad.

Dee -

First, I hope you are healthy and doing well.

Second, although this thread is over 4 years old, I was checking in to see whether your travel to Thailand (and any subsequent travels) had any impact on your health.

My 17-year-old son has UC (no recent flare ups) and is on 6mp. He has an opportunity to go to Myanmar this summer - and my wife is very concerned - which makes me very concerned

Thanks!

Guy