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Remicade side effects

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Posted 1/3/2008 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there!  I was wondering what side effects if any you have with Remicade....I've noticed my neck and shoulders have a rash and just this past week my face got extremely dry and scaley.  My shoulders and arms sometimes itch really bad.  I cannot seem to find anything to get rid of it. For my face I've found that vaseline works really well.  Even though it is annoying, you cannot beat the trade off.

I started Remi in May 07 and had 2 flare ups since that lasted about 2 weeks each.  I do notice it's time for my next infusion as my symptoms come back a bit, like cramps and d.  My last flare up I got was 3 days before my next infusion!!!  Looking back, they weren't really bad.   I wasn't sick for many weeks or even months, so 2 weeks of it I can handle.

I definitely have gotten my energy back and feel alot better than I have in almost 4 yrs. so it has to be working for me.

So basically, I get skin rash, itchiness and dry skin on my face.  Then my symptoms act up a week before my infusion.  How about any of you?

Posted 1/3/2008 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi nhmm, I haven't had that side effect, do you think it could be psoriasis? It sounds like you have a pretty good case of this rash, have you asked you doc about it? I've been using Arnica (found in health food stores) for any itching or bruising and it seems to work well. Also might want to try hydrocortisone cream. Take care, hope this goes away soon!
Posted 1/3/2008 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
nhmm, I don't know if this really pertains to what you asked but I will share it, and maybe I will get some feedback as well...I only took three remicade infusions and thats it...I didn't experience any side effects to speak of...No rashes or anything...I was on prednisone for about 9 months and while I was taking it, my face got extremely oilly...Then September ( I think) I had my first remicade infusion and had two more after that while still taking prednisone...After finally getting off pred, my face got SO dry!!! I put vasaline on it while just at home, and coat it with some facial lotion at other times...It WILL NOT get better...It has been a couple of months since my last remicade, so I dont know if it had anything to do with that or not, because it's still that way...Maybe mine was the pred??? I don't know, but it drives me crazy!!! And it looks like I have dried milk all over my face at times...I just know I have never had it like this before, so I'm convinced it had something to do with one or a combination of the meds...It was such a drastic change from my face being VERY oilly and now it feels like sandpaper...Anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks
Posted 1/3/2008 8:10 PM (GMT 0)

Other than feeling tired for a few days after the infusion, my only noticable side effect has been the horrible headaches.  I had a headache for about 3 days after the first infusion, and for most of six weeks after the third infusion. 

I'm due for my next round in about a week and I am seriously considering discontinuing Remicade.   

Posted 1/3/2008 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input. I've tried hydrocortizone cream for the rash--it doesn't help.The rash on my neck actually doesn't itch. It just looks bad. It's my shoulders and arms that itches. Eucerin does relieve it somewhat. I just cannot seem to find anything to get rid of it. For my face, the vaseline is working, but i REALLY got to slather it on. The weird part was that I actually had dryness under my eyes!

bk1579, I have the same kind of dryness on my face as well. I bet it is the remicade. It's been a couple months since my last infusion--I'm due next week, so maybe it is a weird side effect.

I've told my dr about the rash and itchiness, they suggested benedryl, zyrtec or claritan. That doesn't work either. I'm not sure if it's a psoriasis or not.

Pessimist- I get tired that day and after that I feel fine. I have to have someone with me to go to my appt's to drive me home I'm so sleepy! If your headaches are that bad, I would probably think about discontinuing it as well.

My concern is how it effects your liver. My blood test showed elevated liver enzymes only once.

Thanks for your responses.
Posted 1/3/2008 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
NHMM, does your doctor give Benadryl before the infusion? Many do, and that can make you really sleepy. My doc's infusion center changed to Zyrtec for that reason. They give Tylenol and Zyrtec before each infusion to help prevent allergic reactions.
Posted 1/3/2008 10:24 PM (GMT 0)

I would suggest seeing a dermatologist about the rash.  I tend to to get scaly spots in different areas - especially on my scalp.  I don't think it has anything to the do with the remicade - I think it is UC related.  The dermatologist feels that way as well - because it's not exactly eczema or psoriosis.  He gave me clobex lotion to use for the first 2 weeks when I see the rash and then to switch to lidex.  It seems to work.  Both meds are by prescription only.

If you want to try something that just soothes the skin and helps with dry cracked skin - try Aquaphor.  It's similar to vaseline and works like a charm.  I use it on my kids when their skin gets cracked and scaly from the winter winds.

Posted 1/4/2008 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I get zyrtec and tylenol before my infusion. I'm sure that doesn't help for staying awake!! I'll take your advice!! Thanks so much!
Posted 1/4/2008 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
I second Aquaphor, it is great, I used it while on accutane b/c my lips and face would get so dry.
Posted 1/4/2008 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, I have had the same problems too, my face is extremely dry, itchy, scaly! You know for sure that this is from Remicade? I am on so many different medications, it's hard to keep track! Best of luck with your treatments, mine are going great, I was very very sick with a rare liver disease, and ulcerative colitis, and i am only 27 years old...
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