Remicade the next step?

Hello all,

I have a few questions regarding Remicade. If I wasn't currently pregnant, I am pretty sure I would be starting it by now. I am currently on the max dose of Asacol and doing cort enemas nightly. I am still seeing a lot of blood and having about 6-10 BM a day. It sucks. I am worried about baby, but ultrasounds say baby is fine.

I have pancolitis and I know with the way things have progressed for me since being diagnosed, Remicade is going to be the next option. My doc keeps telling me I will do great on it. My biggest concern is the neurological issues people can have when taking it. I would be really mad at myself if I got MS on top of this horrible disease!

I am having a hard time finding stats on this though. Anyone have any resources for this? Thanks!

Never heard of that either

Well, I can confirm that what Carmellasong said is in the insert. On page 5 of 18, in section 5.8.
"5.8 Neurologic Reactions REMICADE and other agents that inhibit TNF have been associated in rare cases with CNS manifestation of systemic vasculitis, seizure and new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of REMICADE in patients with these neurologic disorders and should consider discontinuation of REMICADE if these disorders develop. ".
/www.remicade.com/shared/product/remicade/prescribing-information.pdf

Thank you ipoop! I just wish they had stats for us like they do for the lymphoma and other cancers. Numbers help with the big picture!

I do think remicade is your best option. I didn't develop MS but I did have debilitating joint pain and I got sepsis. I think all of these side effects are extremely rare. I was also a non-responder - which was the worst part for me. I agree with your GI, you will do great. We have another pregnant poster, totesmagotes, she recently had a healthy baby but she was in your exact position, pregnant and having a terrible flare up. She started remicade and has done very well. You could try reaching out to her.

Thank you notsosicklygirl!