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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/22/2008 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on my 3rd treatment of Remicade and I remember reading someplace that if you come off Remicade, you can't go back on at a later date.  Does anyone know if that's correct. 
Posted 2/22/2008 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's not uncommon for individuals to develop antibodies if they go off Remicade and then it won't work if you go back on. It doesn't happen to everyone. And there are alternatives available if it should happen. Humira uses a different protein and that would work if you develop antibodies to the Remicade. Humira is not yet approved for UC but it can be used off-label and if you need it due to developing antibodies your GI should be able to make your case to your insurance company if it comes to that. And there is another biologic in the pipeline -- these things tend to get approved for Rhumatoid Arthritis first, then Crohns and then UC. But once it gets approved, it's available for off-label use for anyone (under a doctor's care of course).

Meesh
Posted 2/22/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
I think the latest statistics I've seen are that about 50% of people who come off Remicade have adverse reactions that prevent them taking it when re-started. That said, remember that the other 50% don't. I had to go off for over a year due to insurance issues, and had no problems when I re-started it. Others have had.

So, like anything else with this DD, it's a definite "maybe."
Posted 2/22/2008 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi if you come off Remicade you will be anti-bodys to the Remicade. Alot of doctors do not stopping and starting Remicade. I would not go off Remicade unless it stops working. I have been on Remicade for almost 5 years and I don't plan on stopping until it does not work.
Posted 2/24/2008 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, my insurance has only approved 4 treatment and so I was concerned about the effects if you had to stop and they restart. cool
Posted 2/24/2008 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Toanova, I believe insurance carriers only have 30 days to authorize or deny treatment requests. So as soon as you have the 4th treatment, or earlier if you are noticing a positive response, remind your doctor's office to submit another authorization request documenting your improvement. Insurance carriers can be major b_____ about authorizing Remi, some of them use every delaying tactic in the book.
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