Pregnancy and Remicade

I wondered if anyone knows what happens if you are on Remicade, but then decide to get pregnant. Are you supposed to stop the infusions when you get pregnant? I believe I remember hearing that you can't start Remicade back up if you've stopped it. If that's the case, can you start up another tnf blocker after you give birth?

GeminiSunset

Diagnosed w/IBS: Oct. 2006

Diagnosed w/UC: Jan. 2007 (proctitis), July 2008 (pancolitis)

Medications: Lialda (~~2 pills in the morning, 2 pills in the evening, soon to be~~ 2 pills in the morning ~~only once I'm off steriods~~); ~~Prednisone~~; ~~Protonix~~ (only took while on prednisone); Remicade infusions, started at 5mg/kg, increased in March to 7.5mg/kg (started Aug 2008 - 6 infusions so far, next infusion on 4/30 continuing every 8 weeks); Zyrtec-D (for allergies); Toprol (a generic form, 25 mg, for a rapid heart rate)

Supplements: Women's One-a-day multi-vitamin; Super B-complex w/vitamin C, Iron supplements

I found a little information. You probably should ask your GI doctor, though.

http://www.otispregnancy.org/pdf/infliximab.pdf

http://organizedwisdom.com/Remicade_and_Pregnancy

Judy

Moderate to severe left-sided UC (21 cm) diagnosed 2001.

Avascular necrosis in both shoulders is my "forever" gift from Entocort.

Colazal, Remicade, Nature's Way Primadophilus Reuteri. In remission since April, 2006.

"My life is an ongoing medical adventure"

Co-Moderator UC Forum

Please remember to consult your health care provider when making health-related decisions.

Post Edited (Judilyn) : 3/12/2009 9:43:05 PM (GMT-6)

kb5

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 1015

Posted 3/13/2009 10:59 AM (GMT -7)

I have talked to both my GI and OB about getting pregnant on remicade. Both have said that it is fine. From my research I have found that remicade is a class B drug. (this is from fda.gov) and it is Ok if necessary. There is not a lot of information about breastfeeding however. My OB has 5 or 6 patients on remicade that have had healthy babies in the past few years.

I think it is a very personal decision. Lots of docs differ on opinion about it but my husband and I have decided to start trying to concieve this summer. I know I cannot stop remicade or I will have to have my colon out. That will put off kids a few more years at least. From my research and talking to my docs I am comfortable and happy about my decision. Do some research and talk to your doctors about it.

Good luck!

Kelly, 30, suburbs of Chicago, IL

Left sided UC diagnosed 1/98 age 19, Pan colitis diagnosed 1/07
Currently on 4x3 Asacol, no more pred after two years!!!! Off imuran as remicade is working!
Prontonix once daily for acid reflux, zofran 8mg every six hours for nausea
Remicade started 3/1/08...just had 4th infusion

Mamas Boys

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 1460

Posted 3/13/2009 2:45 PM (GMT -7)

Although Remicade is classified as a Class B drug - my GI personally does not recommend it during pregnancy. If it such that without it you will not be healthy enough for pregnancy - then he would ok it - (and has as I have seen pregnant patients getting Remicade in his office) but it is not his first choice. (He hasn't let me conceive while on it.) His reasoning is that Remicade is still extremely new and he would much prefer to work with meds that he has years of experience with. He actually prefers Imuran to Remicade. Go figure!

Mamas Boys

Colazal, Azathioprine, Remicade

Culturelle, MultiVitamin, Folic Acid, Viactiv

Status: Remission!!

hana24

Regular Member

Joined : Dec 2007

Posts : 354

Posted 3/13/2009 3:27 PM (GMT -7)

There was a recent small study done at the Mayo Clinic that was on Remicade in Breast milk and the conculsion was that there was non that went through to the baby - I cant find it though

Jessica 27/F
Remicade
Entorcort 9ml
Lialda 2.4GM
Citalopram 20 MG
omeprazole(for acid reflex)
Tried (Entorcort EC 9ml/day and Prednisone, Asacol ,colazal, Culturelle, dicyclomine)

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