When Remicade stops working?

Azstrait

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 259

Posted 9/6/2007 9:16 AM (GMT -6)

Have any of you switched to a different medication if Remicade stops working for you? My GI increased my dosage of Imuran to 175 mg and said prior to doing that he could increase the Remicade as well. He also mentioned Humira? I get Remicade every 8 weeks right now and for about 3 weeks prior to having it I have abdominal cramping and pain that is tolerable for now (i.e I can function} I had Remicade this past Saturday and I seem to be having more cramping and I hoping that it settles down. Usually after Remciade I feel great but not this time. I have my next appt. October 3 so I let my GI know. The pain I am having right now is to the right of my navel and I woke up this morning with stronger cramping that usual. I took some Bentyl which took the edge off a little.

Stef17

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 1811

Posted 9/6/2007 9:47 AM (GMT -6)

Remicade DOES eventually "wear off", but I don't think that means it has stopped working for you. Maybe you just need your infusions closer together than 8 weeks. I spent a period of time getting infusions every 4 weeks because that's how often I needed the remicade. Now I get it every 6 weeks. You shouldn't have to deal with the symptoms until the 8 weeks passes. Tell your doc you're getting symptoms sooner than 8 weeks. I think the remicade is taking longer to "work" because you're more symptomatic. Maybe you wouldn't have to deal with that if you were having the infusions every 5 or 6 weeks. Is your GI willing to step it up? That's what I would do.

eta: Tell your GI now. Don't wait till Oct. 3rd

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