Remicade

[elly]

From what I understand, Remicade is some sort of gene-altering therapy. It is supposed to induce remission "for years" in some people suffering from auto-immune disorders such as Crohns. How long do the effects of Remicade generally last and can the body correct/reverse the gene-therapy Remicade induces or is it permanent?

If someone knows a link to an article talking about the long term effects of Remicade, that would be great.

 

[CrohnsHobo]

Remicade works by binding and blocking the effects of TNF-alpha, a protein involved in the inflammation process.

You can look up Infliximab: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infliximab

It worked great for me for about three years then I just built up an immunity to it and it stopped working. No I am taking Humira, same sort of deal except it comes from humans and not mice like Remicade. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humira

 

[Lydia]

Remicade is an antibody. It does not alter your genes as far as I know. Its an antibody that binds to TNF-alfa so that the TNF-alpha is not free to damage your tissues. It has been a wonderdrug for me. My fistulas starting healing within DAYS. I was in remission within a week. I plan on staying on it for at least 2 years. My doctor told me it wears off and is out of your body in about 8 weeks maybe a little longer.

They dont really know the long term effects of remicade because its a newer drug, a little over 10 years old.

 

[beth]

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=remicade+long+term+effects...

Remicade and other biologics can result in infections going ape, there are methods of 'washing out', apparently, so the immune system is free to attack the infection. However, you can get abscesses without Crohn's, or he may have remicade induced Lupus, or just have something like Lupus anyway. As always the doctors treating him need to have data to diagnose they should be doing tests and stuff...

 

[Lisa]

If you brother had active abcesses with infection I could see how the infection would get worse....if you are sick or have an infection I've been told NOT to get an infusion since the immune system is compromised.......

The Remicade itself as already posted should be out of the system by 8 weeks - that is the 'maximum' interval between doses too.......

 

[Lydia]

Your TNF alpha should go back to normal but that doesnt mean you will flare again. Sometimes you stay in remission after you come off meds. Antibodies including TNF alpha are created by your bone marrow. Your body doesnt forget how to make them.