remicade & Lupus-Like symptoms

I have had Remicade induced lupus-like symptoms. I developed the problem about 6 months after starting Remicade. I had a pretty high anti-dsDNA titer which is indicative of a possible problem. The symptoms resolved in about a week and I never had any more lupus like symtpoms. I stayed on Remicade for another 2 years after this incident. My GI and rheumy were concerned that diseases would steadily worsen without the Remicade. My rheumy monitored me closely by having a battery of blood work every 4 weeks to make certain that I didn't develop lupus outright.

Are your episodes of joint pain and fever related to when you get your infusions? If you are having these episodes within a week of getting your infusion, they should also check to see if you have developed antibodies to the Remicade.

Some people immediately stop Remicade when they develop either a positive ANA or anti-dsDNA antibodies. However I did not because the presense of these positive titers in a known consequence of anti-TNFs. In clinical trials about 35% developed the antibodies/positive ANA but had no other clinical signs. One person in the study did develop lupus. I hope your PCP sends you to a rheumatologist to have your joint issues evaluated. There are other autoimmune joint issues that can occur in people with UC and CD.

---