Remicade

After a very bad colonoscopy, my GI has decided treatment with Remicade is the only way to get my insides to calm down. I am anxious to hear some success stories or side effect stories. I know everyone reacts differently to it but I am curious how it has affected others out there first hand. My first treatment will be scheduled within the next week or two so I am trying to arm myself with as much information as possible.

If you use the search function located in the upper dark blue bar you will find a ton of posts about Remicade. These posts might be able to help you with your questions...good luck at your infusion!

I've just had my 6th infusion and so far so good!!! I feel sooooooooo much better!! I'm going to have a sigmoidoscopy soon to see whether I still have any inflammation. I do admit I am a bit worried about what I'm pumping into my body but then it had been 4 years of no remission so I didn't really have any choice.

The actual procedure on the day is relatively straightforward but perhaps take some snacks along for the first one if you don't like hospital food as the first one takes a lot longer by the time they've done paperwork etc! I always treat myself to some chocolate and a good magazine! you do feel extremely tired during and after it. I'm not good with needles but once that's in, you just feel a slightly cold sensation as the infusion goes in but that's all. Good luck I really hope it goes well for you and makes you feel better!!

 

I started Remicade two years ago and had really good results to start with.  about a year into it the effect started wearing off after a month.  My last infusion (at a higher rate) lasted about a month and I was told that I had developed antibodies to it.

To your question, I have never had any side effects to the drug.  I had a mild allergic reaction during my 2nd or 3rd infusion that lasted about an hour, that's it.

I've been on Remicade for over two years, and it has worked pretty well for me. It took 4-5 infusions to work along with the right combo of rectal meds. I've had some reactions/side effects, like chest tightness which goes away with a slow rate and Zyrtec, and migraines.

I usually just nap during my infusion :)

I've had good experience with it. I have stage 4 colitis and the doctor said that if the Remicade didn't work then it would probably be surgery so needless to say I was extremely pleased that it worked. I've been in remission for over a year now, and although not symptom free I can largely eat and do what I want. I have unpleasant side effects on the day such as an initial allergy response and flu-like symptoms in the evening, but a day of down time is well worth the 2 months of freedom from IBD.