Asocol and Remicade

[Scarlet O'Hair]

Good morning everyone!

I am just new to Remicade, so far there has been improvement in my Crohn's symptoms with it. I will receive my fourth treatment in August, and will stay on the 8 wk schedule after that. So far I have not been taken off of my Asocol...though the specialist said it is doing nothing for me. I was on 8 of them a day, and have weaned myself down to 4 with no adverse effects. I will discuss it with the Doc in August, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.

 

[SdN]

I'm on just about the same schedule as you Scarlet I'm scheduled to get my 4th infusion about 3 weeks from now. My symptoms have definitely improved since starting Remicade but I still think I've got a little ways to go to get into what I would consider remission.

For other Remi users: when taking Remicade should your symptoms gradually improve while on Remi or should you get into remission during that initial loading phase and then use the maintenance doses only to maintain (not achieve) remission?

 

[Jessi]

Scarlet, I have UC, and I take Asacol with my Remicade, too. The Asacol put me in remission, but it will never work the same way for you. Your specialist was right. Mesalamine is not effective for Crohn's patients. I don't know the details behind it. It says on the sample pill bottle that it treats ulcerative colitis. I can't figure out why so many doctors prescribe it for Crohn's. I hope you get it figured out soon. Good luck and be well!

 

[Scarlet O'Hair]

Thanks Jessi

I was put on it before I was diagnosed with Crohn's. It was originally diagnosed as UC. I see the specialist soon, so will sort it out then.

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

Mesalamine is more effective in Crohn's Colitis and UC, basically if your large bowel is affected as opposed to your small bowel, I believe there was also studies showing how it benefited against Colon Cancer so I'd still take it regardless. : )

 

[Jessi]

For other Remi users: when taking Remicade should your symptoms gradually improve while on Remi or should you get into remission during that initial loading phase and then use the maintenance doses only to maintain (not achieve) remission?

I wish I had a good response for you, SdN. I was already in remission when I started remi, so I don't even know if it's effective for me. I just wanted you to know that your question wasn't ignored. I hope you are well soon. Good luck.