Infliximab and weight gain

[EvieBaby]

I've had my first infusion of this about 3 weeks ago and everything seemed to go OK. I've not noticed any real effects but it is very early days.

However, what I have noticed is that I have a voracious appetite and I've gained 6 pounds already. Its almost like I'm back on the prednisolone! Im constantly thinking about food and what I can have next. I've had a few days off work and today I had to go back to bed just so I wasn't constantly raiding the cupboards. Has anyone else experienced this and is it normal??

 

[shamrock15]

I didn't notice this in my case, however, I would think that it is possibly a sign of healing and your body trying to get some nutrition. I certainly did gain some weight back in my case, about 20 pounds all together with a little variability. My weight gain was something I wanted though, and it did come back as healthy weight. Hopefully this is the case for yours too!

 

[maggiesfour]

Hi Evie,

It took me a few months to gain weight, and the initial gain was 15lbs, which I so desperately needed. I was a true labor of love to try and stay 10lbs overweight, so that when an attack hit, I didn't loose it all in a day. However, I did not get an increase in appetite, but I did after a year on it, start gaining 5lbs every month, with no change in diet. I ended up being 40lbs over weight. I have never weighed this much before in my life. My doctors also said, oh, its because you are healthy, so you are gaining. uh - I had no increase in calories, food and or appetite and I gained a crazy amount of weight. I recently had to stop doing the remicade as the Prometheus Test showed, 100% antibodies on the double dose. I have heard all kinds of stories about weight gain on remicade. Best of luck to you.

 

[SdN]

My guess is your appetite will return to baseline once your body has healed up a bit. When I entered remission I gained about 15lb and got back to my normal weight. Hopefully this is a good sign for you

 

[DavidXU]

I am so jealous of you guys.
I never come back to my normal weight after CD symptoms appeared 3 years ago, even when I was on Prednison. Now I have took 2 infusions of Remicade, but still no weight gain at all.
Maybe Remicade just not work for me.

 

[Manzyb]

David, I wouldn't count Remicade out yet. It's still early days for you! I'd give it a few more infusions before you decide its not right for you.