Feeling like I have a cold after Remicade infusion?

[mascarim]

So I had my infusion yesterday and I have been getting them for going on 2 years now. I have never really had any issues besides some joint pain. But today I am waking up feeling like I have a head cold! I feel pretty gross ale: Could this be a possible side effect of the infusion? Should I be worried or has anyone else had this issue? I'm not sure if I should call my GI about it or not. I don't have a fever really but mostly stuffy/runny nose and congestion/headache. I had been flaring recently and was in the hospital 2 weeks ago for it so I was hoping the infusion would make me feel nothing but well!

 

[theOcean]

Oh no! It could be an effect of the infusion, yes, since it does have immunosuppressant qualities to it. It could also just be coincidental. If you're flaring it may be that you're just more prone due to active illness -- when I was in flare I would get sick constantly because my Crohn's made me so immunocompromised. Once put on immunosuppressants/biologics I actually stopped getting sick, since they controlled my illness.

Maybe you can take something OTC for the congestion? I know at least for me that congestion causes awful, awful sinus headaches that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Because you're on Remicade you may also have your cold last longer than it would be for a normal person, though it should still go away after some time. If it lasts too long, try and contact your doctor to see if they can maybe give you any medication to help with it, or maybe investigate if it's the Remicade.

Good luck!