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Is Inflectra already failing? Am I paranoid?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/18/2021 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve had two doses of Inflectra so far and I do feel like it’s been helping. I’m having the most normal and formed bowel movements I’ve had in probably a year. However, since Friday I’ve been seeing streaks of blood on some of my stool. I’m not having stomach cramps or anything like that. I did message my doctor she wasn’t concerned, told me to monitor and let her know if it gets worse. I have my next infusion on November 1. Since I’m seeing blood does this mean Inflectra isn’t working? I know two infusions isn’t many yet but I am worried. Also, could it be hemorrhoids? I’ve never had one before so I’m not sure what it’s supposed to feel like or the symptoms? Maybe I’m just being paranoid and expected Inflectra to put me in remission too soon? I am an impatient person…. Haha
Posted 10/18/2021 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Patience. I'd at least wait until the initial loading doses (weeks 0, 2 and 6) are completed before making any judgements on inflectra's effectiveness. Before then, expect mixed signals and waning response between doses.

I noticed my 1st positive improvement in remicade at week 3, a much larger response at week 7, and I was completely off of prednisone by week 9. I entered remission in the months thereafter. It's a process much,much slower than you'd like
Posted 10/18/2021 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the response! It helps to hear from someone who’s gone through this same process. One hard thing about UC and most of the medications, I think, is not seeing immediate results. I’ll try to be more patient. But it definitely helps to hear that it takes more time to see the results of this biologic.
Posted 10/19/2021 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
It only worked for me for 9 weeks. But yeah, it didn't start working for me until after the loading doses so I wouldn't lose hope yet.
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