About to start infliximab...anyone got any tips what to expect??

[nia]

about to start infliximab...anyone got any tips what to expect??

Hi have been recently diagnosed, although am starting to think I've had it for years!! NOT IBS as origionally told.

Tried one injection of Humira which was to help my crohn's and Rheumatoid Arthritis but unfortunately I came out in a horrid rash and have had to come of it straight away! I am due to start an Infiximab and methotrexate combo and was wondering what others thought of it? Is it instant? how long is the infusion process?? so many questions.... all advice greatly received!!

nia

 

[kello82]

hey nia!
well well well i have also been on the remicade (infliximab) and methotrex combo! those two drugs in combonation made me feel pretty decent. ive never been in remission, but i say that the time i was on those meds was the closest id ever been. after a couple years they slowly lost their effects though and thats why im not on it anymore.
hmm i cant remember how instant the effects were, it was mant years ago. i would say within a few weeks i could tell a difference, but im not positive and i think everyone reacts differently anyway.
the infusion takes about 3-4 hours total depending on how much time you spend waiting and with a saline drip etc, and they also give you benadryl 1/2 hour beforehand, so that adds 30 mins to the time. but the actual medecine runs over 2hours i believe.
theres a thread called "Remicade Club" and pretty much everyone who posts in there is on remi, so go on in there and you can get a lot of good info from members who are currently taking it.
good luck! if you have anymore questions ask away!

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Hi Nia!
My Remicade infusions have always been about 4 hours. Bring an ipod or reading material. Some places have TVs. The benadryl can make you very sleepy so you might need a nap when you get home. My doc gave me the okay to take non-drowsy Claritin instead of the Benadryl. The infusion itself is pretty uneventful, they check your temperature and blood pressure often. You will probably have to pee in the middle of it - dragging the pole to the bathroom looks goofy, but what are you gonna do?
Hard to say exactly when I started feeling better. I was just coming off prednisone at the time, and I gradually noticed feeling better little by little. I have had my 4th infusion, and I feel GREAT now! Hopefully it will kick in for you quickly!

 

[kromom1]

Nia - I was on Remicade for 3 infusions, but am off now due to a reaction. Like Kello and MBH have said, it does take about 3-4 hours (at least the first time). I was able to take my Benadryl at home before I left, so I didn't have to wait those extra 30 minutes. By my third infusion, I think it only took about 2-1/2 hours, as they increased the drip rate. I felt like I had results after the first infusion and felt great while I was on it. I sure hope it works for you! The "Remicade Club" thread that Kello mentioned is under "Treatment" in case you haven't found it.

Lisa

 

[rainbowdreams]

Hi nai. I have been on infliximab for 2 years now and it is the best I have ever felt. I am 25 and was diagnosed at the age of 6. At first the infusions take about 6hours but once they know whether you have problems with it or not , they get faster. mine nowtake about 4 hours. I have them every 8 weeks and have never had a problem. Having said that I have a friend who has just had her 3 lot of the drug and she says for the first 24 she has a lot of vomiting.
hope this helps and best of luck!

 

[danman]

Thanks for that mcufoer. I know where to go now for spam wigs.