Remicade frequency

[Lmmilazzo]

My son, who is 20, was diagnosed with UC and has had 4 infusions of Remicade since. His last infusion was July 11th and the doctor scheduled him for tomorrow (8/1) to have another infusion but the insurance company has denied it. He has been feeing really badly the last week with many bouts of diarrhea with blood. He's an athlete in college and this has really been hard on him both physically and mentally. He had to take a leave from school last semester it was so severe.
Has anyone had any success with any other treatments, such as medical marijuana? I'm at my wits end for him!

 

[SarahBear]

Hello, welcome to the forum!

I'm copying your post to the Parent's section of our forum (found here) as well, so that you can get additional responses from people in similar situations.

When was your son diagnosed? Have either of you talked to his doctor about the insurance troubles? They may be able to help smooth things over, or find another medication that insurance will approve.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I never heard of a remicade infusion more than at a 4 week interval which is rare in itself. The standard is 8, some are 6 but your doctor can help appeal the insurance decision if they really feel it's necessary. Maybe your son can benefit from an added medication like an immunomodulator like 6mp or methotrexate?