Cipro Advice

[kit1]

Ive been diagnosed with proctitis 2 years ago which grew into a severe UC flare last year and was given 3 courses of Remicade, and then put onto Imuran. I stopped taking the Imuran (probably stupidly) and just worked on diet supplements and Pentasa supps.

Unfortunately I havnt been able to take care of the disease, its still there floating around with some small proctitis bleeding, mucous and ive had 2 perianal abscesses come and go so my GI is now saying its Crohns. Luckily I have avoided a seton and now definitely keen on getting on some anti TNF like remicade asap.

My concern is that my GI wants to put me on a long course of Cipro before the Remicade. Is this really necessary?? Cant I jsut go straight onto the Remicade?

At the moment the state of the disease is actually quite good, with not really any symptoms, but in saying that it can fluctuate.

 

[ronroush7]

I was able to switch from Cimzia to Remicade but I don't know your situation.

 

[Clash]

Before you start remicade you will most likely need an antibodies level test. The problem with starting and stopping biologics like remicade is that your body will build up antibodies to the drug which can make you have a reaction to the med and will also make it ineffective at treating your active disease.

There are some people who are able to stop and start biologics but the risk is fairly high for antibody development.

It usually occurs on the 2nd or 3rd dose starting back.

My son had to stop remicade in order to have surgery and was off for a few months before starting back. He developed antibodies and had a reaction both the 2nd and 3rd infsuion. We pulled a test for antibodies and the levels were really high. Since the reaction can be anaphylaxis in nature and antibodies prevent the med from being effective we had to switch to humira.

Studies have shown that continued use of remicade and other anti tnf meds lessens the risk of antibodies compared to intermittent use.

As far as cipto, sometimes if there is an abscess or infection an antibiotic is needed to resolve it before starting a med like remicade.

 

[tots]

I am guessing they want to make sure you have no infection before you start Remicade?


I was on Remicade two years ago and before I restarted last May, I had blood work done to make sure I could take it.

I wish you luck with your medication and hope things get better soon!

Lauren

 

[Madhu]

Cipro is an antibiotic for fighting infection. Before they start you on Remicade, they want to be absolutely sure you have no other infection. And in my husband's case, GI said Cipro+Remicade combo is best for healing fistula. Good luck!

 

[ronroush7]

I would also recommend of you are on probiotics to take twice the amount while on cipro.

 

[kiny]

Do you know he will put you on a long course of cipro or do you only think that. Cipro is usually only given for a few weeks, it crosses the blood-brain and blood-spinal fluid barrier, which is why many people get dizzy on it, and long term it's dangerous because it deteriorates the tendons (which is why there are now warnings on cipro labels, not to do heavy lifting or jumping while on cipro, it puts too much pressure on the tendons).

But this usually only becomes an issue after long term use, the half-life is short, it takes a long time before cipro starts to accumulate in the wrong places. I would be very surprised if he puts you on a long course of cipro, it's rare this happens. Several antibiotics can be given long-term safely, cipro isn't one of them.

 

[Bufford]

I would think twice before taking Cipro especially for a long duration. My GI wanted to start me on an 8 week course of Cipro prior to Remicade. I told him no and we discussed it. I have had two infusions of Remicade and due for my third next week without any problem so far other than some side effects.

I was on Cipro for about 3 years over 10 years ago. It worked like a miracle at first but went against me months later. I began tearing tendons 6 month in, then the torn rotary cuff on my right shoulder. My teeth went black and literally dissolved before my dentist's eyes. I was constantly getting root canals and cavities. My heart started pounding and my blood pressure went up, requiring pressure pill that I still have to take today. Later I had an overloaded liver and was forced off the drug after I started turning jaundiced. I had bruises on my body. Doc told me to stop taking Cipro before it would kill me.

It took two years before my body recovered. I will never take Cipro again.