Remicade Treatment - Confusion..

[Lily24]

Hi all,

Had my latest visit to the doctor after 1 month on Azathioprine ( 50 mg ) daily, my pain has lesser but when I take the tablet, My stomach gets upset for about 15 mins before its ok for me to continue my activities. Have anyone had that same feelling? Doctor also said that I would have to get Remicade injections if my pain does not ease of. Is there any other alternative without going for this injection? It is because its very expensive and i can't afford as he says one will need 10 injections in a period of one year. Hope those who have taken Remicade can share your ups and downs with me. The benefits of this injection n your progress. Really need help in this. How much does it cost for per injection? Really in stress and confucion..

Lily

 

[BWS1982]

For a really good base coverage on Remicade, and alternatives, check the Treatment forum at the top are a couple threads currently progressing about this. Just thought I'd refer you to these rather than retype my sentiments and opinions, look for a couple of threads started by "dad_01".

Remicade isn't the only option, but if I recall you're in Europe (hope I get this one correct).

 

[RHOV]

I take 75 mg of azothioprine, and I also get Remicade because the azothioprine alone couldn't keep me in remission. So far, my experience with Remicade has been pretty good. It costs about $7000 per infusion. The Remicade itself is 3-4 thousand, and the rest is nursing costs of the infusion center. My insurance covers most of the cost. The infusions take 3-5 hours (for me at least; the norm is about 2.5 hours) and they make me very tired afterwards (If you go for the Remicade, get someone else to drive you!) But within a day or two, I feel MUCH better. You get one infusion, then two weeks later, another one, then 4 weeks after that, another one, and then every eight weeks. If you go on Remicade long-term, expect at least 6 infusions per year. Some people can go for longer between infusions, and some need it more frequently. The effects of the Remicade wear off after a while, hence the need for periodic infusions.

I have had Remicade since January, and it got me out of a flare within days of my first infusion. I can't quite make it all 8 weeks without getting a bit sick, so my doc increased the dose, which will hopefully do the trick. I've been told that I could be a poster child for Remicade since it seems to be the medication I respond best to.

There ARE other alternatives to Remicade and azothioprine. Methotrexate works similarly to azothioprine, so that might be something to look into, and there are lots of other options out there.

Good luck!