Remicade. What do I need to know about it?

So I think it’s time that I get on Remicade. I’m currently on asacol and meslamine enemas. I just tapered off prednisone a week a go and once I was off I noticed my symptoms are getting worse and worse by the day. My gi put me on daily meslamine before bedtime but that isn’t doing me any good. She told me to give t more time but every day it continues to get worse and I now am having mucus in my stool and increased bowel movements per day with dirreah or mushy stool almost every time. I am by no means saying my gi isn’t knowledgeable, but I know my body the best and I can tell that my health is declining. I think Remicade is the best option at this point but I need to know what sort of risks I’m taking? What sort of side effects will I experience with Remicade? Can I remain on this drug for a long time? Will it give me acne like prednisone (worst acne of my life my face litterally looked like a pizza).

Thank you so much

"I need to know what sort of risks I’m taking? What sort of side effects will I experience with Remicade? Will it give me acne like prednisone (worst acne of my life my face litterally looked like a pizza)."

No acne from Remicade. I got horrible acne on Prednisone too!

I've had zero side effects from Remicade despite being on it since 2012. The most common side effects are temporary during or within 48 hours of the IV infusion. All minor things that they give you pre-medications of tylenol and an anti-histamine for (fatigue, rash, headache, increased heart rate, etc.). They're temporary and go away fast and a nurse monitors you during the IV infusion. There's rare but serious side effects as well. There's a good presentation and read from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America that talks about the risks versus benefits of taking these medications:
Webcast: programs.rmei.com/CCFA139VL/presentation/player.html
Transcript: http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/risk-and-benefits-transcript.pdf

"Can I remain on this drug for a long time?"

Yes, a few of the moderators have been on remicade 8-10 or more years. Take it as long as it works well for you.

"Is there anything else I should know?"

They weigh you when you get there (weight-based drug), give you pre-medications of tylenol and an antihistamine (either claritin or benadryl); claritin is non-drowsy, benadryl is drowsy and you might take a nap if you get it. I always ask for claritin. The IV experience is nothing to worry about, all you feel is a small needle-prick when they set the IV. The nurse checks your temperature and pulse periodically. The IV infusions take 2-3 hours where you essentially just sit in a chair and wait. I feel no sensation while getting Remicade. It is boring so bring entertainment: cellphone, book/kindle, headphones to listen to music, etc. Most infusion centers offer snacks and drinks to you while you wait. They remove the IV, put a band-aid on you and you leave. I'm fine afterwards and can drive myself home. Some say they are fatigued for a number of hours after the IV infusion, so you might want to plan a low-key rest of the day just incase you need to nap/relax.

I hate to be the party pooper but I was on Remicade for only a few months when I developed drug-induced lupus. :o( I was feeling really run down for the last two infusions though because I hadn't been sleeping well. I don't know if that compromised my system more and made it difficult to handle the drug. Everyone is different. I was also on Humira before it stopped working again only after a few months. Apparently my body doesn't like the TNF blockers.