Remicade - who all takes them - and how long before you got any results - what bad reactions

okay,  so who all takes this,

it seems that I have read it in several sig lines but everyone else is still on something else.

I know that it can cause bad side affects

I've been on Remicade for about a year, I feel great and haven't had any side effects.
Nathan, you should talk to your GI about getting off Imuran before starting, there have been some fatal cases of Lymphoma in people on Azathioprine and Remicade.
Other than that, those of us on it for the most part feel great!
James

James, I think I heard the same thing, but for some reason my doctor specifically said he wanted me on both at the same time.  From what I remember, he mentioned that many doctors are now using both, with better results.  I'm still going to look into it more before I decide though.  And thanks for the site Scrap.  I went to it and have already called a couple places, though they have to call me back later with more info...hope it doesn't cost too much.  It comes out of my pocket.

I just got an e-mail from the Remicade maker (Centacor) not too long ago and if I remember right I think you may be eligible for financial assistance if your portion is more than $100 each time. Might check it out. It's very expensive.

I just had my third infusion five days ago, this one isn't "kicking in" as quick as the other two did, but I have some major stress issues going on right now that can be playing a part. I am still bleeding but it's eased up considerably and I am not feeling as bad as I had been prior to the infusion.

I tolerate the infusions well and haven't had any side effects. It takes 2 to 3 hours, you sit in a nice comfy reclining chair, my infusion clinic has cheerful staff, a TV and iPods on request. I just bring a book and I fell asleep the last time.

My insurance covers it 100%, no copays even.

Meesh

I've been on it for about 18 months now. It works in combination with the other drugs to keep me in remission, but I've tried tapering the Imuran and started having cramping again, so went back to the regular dose. I've had no side effects from the Remicade. Before it, I was steroid-dependent and had all kinds of terrible side effects from that.

And I'm thinking $120 would be the infusion fee, not including the drug, which yes, costs $6000 plus per infusion, depending on your body weight. My doctor's practice has its own infusion center, which is very comfortable and convenient. They have wireless internet, so I take my laptop with me and work while the infusion runs.

hello all

Had my first infusion 10-2-07....started to fill better after a week and a half ...second infusion 10-16-07
started flarring and i still flarring today...my next is in 6 weeks ...had it done in the hospital had my own room choice of recliner or bed ... had a TV in the room took 3 hrs ..i have not had any side affects yet...i just hopes it kicks in soon . i have Medicare i dont what it cost yet...all my oral meds i pay 100%..now jan iwill have coverage again  ...good luck to you all

If you go on Remicade and then off it and try to go on it again you may develop antibodies to it and then it might not work, that's why you go on it and stay on it.
It is REALLY expensive! If I have it at my GIs clinic it's about $5,000, if I have it at the hospital it's over $8,000!!!
Nathan - the reason your GI probably wants you on the imuran is because it will help reduce the chance of building antibodies to the Remicade. From what I understand, the same can be done with Methotrexate, which is what my GI switched me to.
Be sure to ask your GI about that, it just is a major deal to me and has caused me some anxiety problems :(
James

Hello to everyone, I am new to this site. I am having one of those terrible days, in the bathroom 16 times already. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and went in to remission quickly with a small dose fo Predisone. I came out 1 year ago and been having a terrible time. I am allergic to all 5ASA drugs even rectally. I went on Prenisone July 06 and became steroid depenent. I tapered and ended up ion the hospital  Dec 06 where I stated Remicade. I seemed to do well with the drug until July 07 I had to take an antibodic because for URI and came out of remission on the 7th day. My MD is not sure this is what caused it but I know. Anyway unable to get back in after 2 Remicade treatments. The last treatment was really scarey. I developed joint stiffiness the night of the infusion limiting my ability to move any joint above my waist. The MD tells me the next day that is  a side effect when you build up antibodies to the drug. And it still did nothing for me, Not sure what my next try will be. Any Suggestions? Wish me luck    Carmel

Nathan - the imuran isn't so you can go on and off Remicade, it's so you don't build antibodies to it while you're on it. I don't think any dr. will recommend going off it if it works for you.
James

I've had four infusions so far and I'm still flaring. It definitely helps...within a week of taking it my stools are usually formed, I get more mucous than anything else and my bleeding lightens up to almost nothing. I still have urgency but by bm's are cut down to about 2 or 3 a day instead of 6-7. Unfortunately after about a month I start to slide back into diarrhea, bloody stools, lots of gas pains, the works. This has happened twice now and my GI has yet to consider putting me on the 4 week dosage instead of 8. I'm trying 6mp again after a possible bad reaction to it previously and getting a 2nd opinion at the end of the month...if that doesn't work...<shrug>...I have a surgical consult in November. :(