HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Remicade levels - what does this mean?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/17/2015 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
I had my remicade levels tested at my last infusion and I have no idea what they mean. I am assuming my GI is not too concerned either because he has yet to call me back. errrrrr

My levels: 12 mcg/ml

I am on 10ml dosage every 6 weeks.

I am just a little anxious to figure this out because if that is a normal level then clearly Remicade is not working and I need to start Entyvio. If that is low, then I need to move up my infusion date. My GI is is no rush because he seems to really be pushing surgery at this point. I don't want to let it get to that point.
Posted 12/17/2015 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
When was the test taken in relation to when you had your infusion.
I know mayo does not do further testing if it's higher than 5 because
It's enough in your serum.

If it was taken close to before your infusion than there is nothing to worry about
If it was taken right after your infusion I might think it was slightly low
And you would might have to adjust your frequency
Posted 12/17/2015 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
My GI writes scripts up to 15 mg/kg, it's not standard but it is done in some cases.

I'm not familiar with the Remicade levels test since my insurance company would not cover the tests when I tried to get it done 5 years ago.
Posted 12/17/2015 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
No worries, you've actually aced your remicade serum concentration test. Anything over 5 mcg/ml is perfect for your remicade/infliximab serum concentration levels when read within 48 hours before your next scheduled infusion. If you had unreadable (that is zero) values or anything under 5 then you might have issues. As an example, my last remicade serum concentration results were 15 mcg/ml, pretty close to your levels. I had zero antibodies. Did you have any antibodies?

How bad are your symptoms? It's possible you've failed remicade anti-tnf treatment if you've been on it a while and are still suffering from horrible uc symptoms.
Posted 12/17/2015 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
ok that is good news, I guess. I just wish I wasn't flaring before my infusion. My remicade levels were taken 20 minutes before my last infusion which was at 6 weeks. I had 0 antibodies.

I do feel a little bit better since my last infusion but still having about 10-12 bms with just a few drops of blood. (I was having 10-12 really bloody bms before my last infusion.) I guess I can't expect remicade to be a wonder drug. It is lessening my symptoms and I should be thankful for that. I am also thankful that insurance covers it. That is ridiculous not to cover a test that gives a lot of information on whether or not a medication is working.
Posted 12/18/2015 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
After how many infusions do they start to test your remicade levels? Do you have to request it or is it pretty much standard procedure?

I just had my fourth infusion today. I don't think they have checked my levels yet. They took some blood before my last infusion but I'm not sure what they were checking for. The only thing I heard back from them about that was that my Vitamin D levels were low.
Posted 12/18/2015 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
How are the anti bodies measured within the blood and what is considered a high number?
Posted 12/19/2015 7:44 AM (GMT 0)
If I recall correctly mine was 4.9 before I got moved to four-weekly infusions so yours is a good score I think
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply