Remicade | Arthritis Information

Hi All,

I don't see many threads about remicade. I have been on it for about 5 months and it has been better than Enbrel, (for me), but i recently changes RH's and now my new one want to not only increate from 5 units, (not sure what a unit is), to 7 and change the schedule from 8 weeks to 6. How does this compare with others on the drug. Oh some of this may be due to having to cone of MTX, (yeah), because of problems. (always preffered alcohol to MTX to control the disease anyway, (JOKE).)

Thanks

Hey Clufus,

I found that Wild Turkey was an excellent pain reliever. At least until the morning after.

I've been on Remicade off and on for 5 yrs. and it has been my "wonder" drug. In this time I've been any where from 4-7 units depending on how I felt. I've also been on the 6 week schedule but am now back on 8 weeks. That's what I like about Remicade...it's adjustable. I'm not sure about the other biologics since I've only had experience with Remicade.

They start you at the lowest dosage so they have room to play. I have
also had the dosage increased and the dosage schedule changed. You
and your dr. can work together until you get the right combination.

BeckyDear Clufus, Remicade: I'm taking my 3rd dose Monday, something's working as I have less swelling, my hands are almost normal except my ring fingers, and my feet and 'walking' is much better. I also take 3 X 5 of prednisone(daily) & 2 MTX (weekly), so who knows what's the miracle drug???? I'd of done anything to get ride of the PAIN last month, so this is a big improvement for me! Good luck with all this, HurtinglessI've been on Remicade for a year, after Enbrel failed, had my last infusion on Wed.(every 6 weeks, 5/100mg)and figured this would be the big test since I've been off Pred for a couple weeks, to see if it was making a difference. I guess if I stopped the MTX, I would really know. It is soooo expensive, I have to pay 00 before our insurance takes over 100% and I guess if it had been a silver bullet I wouldn't feel so freaked out by the cost.
Deidre
20 min. later, had to take DD to school before I could send this, I just stuck the car in a snowdrift, & I'm feeling strong enough to go out with a shovel and get it free, that's alot better than a year ago.

WOW She can shovel! Please don't over do!

Hi Clufus, I used to party pretty hard at times and when I gave that up, the RA started, so you may have a good point here. I have not tried remicade, but it is in my thoughts. My concern is being able to drive home after. How do you feel after an infusion Clufus? Think I should have a designated driver?

It's probably different for everyone, but I've driven myself from the beginning, 80 miles roundtrip, and I've never not felt up to it. I even do the grocery shopping afterward, becuse that's where the big stores are. But I'm an obsessive, kill 2 birds with 1 stone. The first time my family made me take a cell phone and I had to call them from the hospital parking lot to say I was feeling okay. I had 2 worry worts waiting at home to come to my rescue.
Deidre

Hi Clufus,

I have PA, and am on remicade (but we call it infliximab in the UK). We have a licensing authority (called NICE) that decided there will be no adjustment in dose - you get a dose made up according to your weight. Also we can now only have 8 weekly infusions for PA but I think some conditions have 6 weekly. I started to work on 6 weekly cycle but then the rules changed. I get on average 5-6 weeks of relief from major symptoms with each infusion then have a tough time waiting for my next one (waiting at the moment for infusion on the 30th!). I take MTX 7.5 mg weekly as it is supposed to assist the Infliximab and lessen the incidence of allergic reactions. I also take the max dose of Etoricoxib daily (120mg) plus tramadol or co-dydramol as I need them. In the UK they prefer you to take MTX with the infliximab but if you don't you have to have steriods before your infusion to stop allergic reactions. Apparently because the Infliximab is made out of animal proteins (I think it's mice protein?) your body can reject it and start to fight it which makes it less effective, MTX (even at a low dose) stops this happening.

I hope this helps! have also posted a reply to you on the PA board.

Dear Clufus, good for you, I'm so glad you are out there driving and are able to be shoveling. Everydays a new challenge and we get some rewards for all of our efforts!

Dear KT297, good info. I wanted to not take the MTX,(with rEmicade this week as it seemed to give me pain and stiffness ) NO! , no said my doc and got a little 'miffed' I guess the reason was what you have said.

Not hurting, with the meds, still stiff though.

Hi I've been on Remicade for 17 months. It works very well for me as long as I take my MTX 20 mg a week. I get 6 units every 4 weeks. We have tried to stretch it out and cant.. They just steadily increased the dose til they found 6 was the magic number.
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