Remicade | Arthritis Information

 

My doc is suggesting I start Remicade because my CCP just came in at 250. I've been on Plaquenil 400 mg, Medrol between 4 and 16 mg, various vitamins and supplements and meds for some other medical issues. Has anyone had Remicade added to Plaquenil? How long does the infusion take? Were there any side effects during the infusion or after? Could you drive home after the infusion? How long after the first infusion did you notice some relief from pain? What else should I know about this????? Thanks.is there a reason he isn't suggesting adding methotrexate or arava which are the usual first line step up meds?  Lab tests aside what are your current symptoms?  Have you ever thought about a 2nd opinion.  Does he do the remicade infusions in his office?

Hi Mary. I've been on Remicade for 2 1/2 years now. I've never had a bad reaction to it. I take Arava along with it. It takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours for the infusion. I'm not sure if it's working for me though because the erosions in my left hand are getting worse and my podiatrist thinks RA is now in the toes of my right foot. He wants me to speak to my rheumatologist next appointment. As far as relieving the pain, it never has.  Also, it doesn't affect my driving. I've heard some people say they get  alot of energy after their infusion but unfortunately it hasn't happened to me. Buckeye and Gwen - thanks for the comments. I know we're skipping MTX. We tried Arava but about that time I came down with chronic intestinal issues and have had all sorts of problems since then. Stopped the Arava but the problems have continued for about 6 months now. The RA doc is now going to check with the gastro doc to see if he thinks the Remicade infusion would cause less problems than the MTX and/or Arava. I have a long history of terrible adverse effects to all sorts of medications so my docs have learned to reach for the ones with less known adverse effects and ones less likely to create more problems in the intestinal track and stomach.   My RA symptoms are quite clear - pain in the balls of both feet, both knees painful and swollen, stiffness in feet, legs, hands for an hour or so in the morning until the pills get working. The Plaquenil and Medrol have helped a lot for the past year but I really need to get off the Medrol because I'm having terrible skin issues. As soon as we begin to decrease it, the pain gets worse. So that's where I am with this right now and why we are looking at Remicade.

Mary H.I don't have any advice, having never been on Remicade, but I want to wish you well Mary.  {{HUGS}} I had my 2nd Remicade infusion last week. No problems with the infusion. It has already started to work some. I hope it will continue to help more and more as time goes on. It did make me a little tired afterward, but I could drive no problem. The nurse said some people are also tired the day after, others feel great after. So...I guess it just depends on the person. Oh, and I don't take Arava or Methotrexate either. Thanks for the info Panda. One thing I have learned about this disease is that no two people are alike. What works for one can just as easily create problems for another. I like that we and our doctors have choices now. When my cousin started on this road, I don't think he had as many choices and he's a mess now. Did you ever take the Arava or MTX or did your doc skip those also? Just curious.

Panda - guess I should have read the comments you have included below the list of drugs you are now on!
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