Remacade | Arthritis Information

I am new, my name is Helen. I would like some feedback on the treatment I am about to start. Remacade. I have this Rheumatoid Arthritis really bad. My doctors say I should start this treatment. Has anyone tried this. Is this safe? What should I exspect? Thanks ahead of time for all your feedback.

helen

I just finished my first infusion yesterday...I was nervous. You will get some antihistamine and tylenol when you get there. (I did not need the antihistamine...I take one everyday).

I did get a little sick to my stomach, but was very hungry, so that might account for some of that. I did get a headache. You will have to watch your temp, but as long as it does not go over 101 you are fine.

It is very uneventful and kind of boring....at the end you just want it done. There is a list of side effects etc., but it is reported to be one of the easiest of all the biologics to tolerate. For me it is much better than Humira was. I did wake up rough and stiff today, but I did have a period where I was not in such terrible pain. I liked that!!!

Ask any more questions you need to.

shel

I've just had my 3rd infusion and althought it hasn't really made much of a difference yet (we are going to increase my dosage on the next one, I don't have any side effects at all and don't even need the tylenol or benedryl. Also I find the the whole process to be relaxing, I bring a book and you are sitting in a recliner with an attached tv, being served food and drinks (hospital so not really edible - but a nice thought anyway). And everyone is super nice there. I hope that the increased dose works for me because I really don't mind the whole thing at all and I don't want to give myself injections.

Good luck!

Melly

Gosh I don't get treated that well. Mine is in the Doctor's office.

I'm sorry to hear that (((Shelly41))). I can't believe how lucky I am with the whole Remicade thing. It is seriously not far off of feeling like a day at the spa!

In case I didn't mention it before, they actually also cover me in warm (really warm blankets) before putting the needle in. Supposed to help with bringing the veins out. They get me another warm blanket later too if I wish. Unbelievable, huh?

Now if the darn medicine would just work for me, so I can stay on it!!!

Melly

I've been on Remicade since March 06, I don't have any adverse reaction to it and am not given anything to counteract anything. My dr. feels it's working because all my inflamatory blood work has come down. I still have pain and stiffness, but I waited too long to start any biologic and am paying the price in irrepairable damage. The ladies at Oncolgy are very nice, I get mine at the nearest hospital. If I have any complaint (not really a complaint) it's that everyone else is there for chemotherapy so the conversations are pretty depressing. I put on the headphones and watch 'Comedy Central".Hi Helen..welcome!

I''ve been on it 23 months, and very happy with it. no side effects, never take benydryl.

I also call it my spa day lol..afterwards I go shopping or get my hair done.

I have had 3 infusions so far, no reactions and I don't yet feel better. Mine is in the Dr Office, recliner and TV but no food. I find it kind of a hassle but it's better than doing 2 injections of Enbrel a week.

Helen

I hope remicade works great for you. It gives some people a whole new lease on life. I was on it 5+ years. The only trouble I had was a headache that lasted 24 hours if I didn't take a dose of benedryl with it. It worked well for me except for the last year...so I switched to Humira.

Just joined the site today. I wanted to check out the chatter abou the remicaid med. Looks like I will be in good company with the remicaid I'm about to start next month. I started with Juvenile Rheumatoid,so I've been fighting this diease for awhile. I've already tried just about everything. The embrel isn't holding all week anymore and all the meds through the years have taken a toll on the stomach. I'm still taking plaqunil though. So my doctor said we should give the stomach a rest and do the IV thing. and switch the embrel for remicaid. I'm willing to try anything to keep walking. I had a total knee replacement in 2002 and that worked out great.However, the exhuastion and the pain are so dehabilitating. I'm hoping the remicaid works for me as well. Keep your spirits up and keeping moving forward with your treatments. Best of luck to all.

Hi June and a big WELCOME ,

Anyway I take my on food and drinks, and have had the time reduced from 3 HOURS , YES!, down to 1 hour. I'm taking it every 4 weeks and believe me I look forward to 'it'! (Isn't it funny how at first we hate the idea of the meds, then 'can't wait' for when we can take them? Hummm)

I had mine doubled from only 300 to 600, WHY didn't he just start out with 600 when he knew I was hurting? Who knows these things? My feet and hands are still stiff and hurting some, so I'm continuing with this 'dang cocktail' of meds.