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New to site. Looking for advice/info on remicade and pregnancy/breastfeeding

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/29/2008 5:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there! I was diagnosed with UC in June of 07, after not responding well to the prednisone and ascol my GI specialist recommended remicade. Remicade has been a successful treatment for me and in October of 07 I found out I was pregnant. My Gi specialist and OBGYN both felt it would be ok for me to continue to take Remicade through the pregnancy. I am now in my 8th month and the pregnancy has been without any major problems or concerns. I've been doing as much research as I can possibly find on breastfeeding and remicade and I come up with a lot of conflicting articles regarding this subject. Has anyone else been on remicade during pregnancy and successfully breastfed while continuing remicade infusions? Does anyone have any good information or recommendations on articles/information regarding this topic?

Thank you!
Posted 4/29/2008 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi alohagel,

I too am on remicade! My husband and i are looking to start a family next year and i will still be on remicade. I am comfortable with remicade and pregnancy and i'm glad to meet someone who has been there. It's a class B so it's actually safer than imuran (class D) for preg.

As for breastfeeding, my research has shown that there isn't enough information to really show if babies are affected through breastmilk. They don't have enough long term studies. Remicade doesn't cross the placenta but they say there isn't enough info to know yet. Remi is a newer drug (10-15 years is newer to FDA) At this point i think it is up to us to research and make a decision. What does your OB and GI say? My hubby doesn't understand how important breastfeeding is to me and just says to skip it. I'm still researching.

Is your OB a high risk ob?

I'm going to be looking for info from those with crohns and rhuemi to see if anyone there has had experience since remi is used by both as well.

Congrats on the baby! let us know what you find.
Posted 5/7/2008 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kelly for your response!

My OB doesn't seemed to be concerned with me breastfeeding but she isn't a high risk OB. My GI specialist had mentioned concerns with breastfeeding when we initially discussed trying remicade. I am fairly neutral as to my feelings regarding breastfeeding, my main concern is the health of the baby. I'm not sure which would be more detrimental avoiding breastfeeding or risking contaminated breastmilk.

Regardless, I truly appreciate the information!
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