When to start biologic drugs ie Remicade

[Mountaingem]

Hi I am new to the forum! I need help deciding what to do. I inject 17.5 methotrexate once a week, and I still have flare-ups occasionally, maybe 3 a year. Most people would call the flares pretty average; diarrhea 6-8 times a day, low-grade fever, rectal pain, joint pain-definately unpleasant but not too serious. No bleeding, no infection, pain controllable.

My GI says to increase methotrexate to 25 and start short course of steroids. My Rheumatologist says I need to get real about this disease and knock it out with Remicade. When I told him I didn't think I needed to go that route he just dismissed other treatments that my GI recommended. He doesn't even want to treat me if I won't go on it. I'm not totally opposed to Remicade but I'm just not sure if I am ready or sick enough to start it.:confused2:

Please share your experiences I really need some imput. Thanks for listening!

 

[Crohn's 35]

I was on Remicade and I became allergic, but I have also been on Methotrexate and I got migrains from it and constant nausea. Didnt stay on that long. AS for Prednisone (steroid) that stuff for me is evil and alot more side effects. I wished the Remicade worked for me, a shot every 6 weeks is better than popping pills and even though there are side effects not everyone is at risk for all side effects. FDA has to report every little thing, even on a placebo. If your Gi agrees with the RA then I would try it, you could be one of the great ones who are in remission or pain free for years to come. Hope you get all the info you need there is a Remicade thread, check them out. It could help you make a decision! Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Peaches]

:welcome: Mountaingem. I agree that if the GI and the Rheumy see eye to eye it is probably time to make the jump to Remi. Even though the flares seem smallish - they can do permanent damage and increase your chances of strictures and needing surgery in the future. Best to get on a drug that will keep the disease as quiet as possible. I tried Imuran and Methotraxate before going to Remi and neither quite did the trick for me (Imuran was good for the disease but bad for my body - too many negative side effects and MTX didn't keep it quiet enough). I have been on Remi for over 6 years and except for an annoying skin rash that started 6 months ago - it has worked wonders for me. In the end - the choice is always yours, but I'd say do it if both docs are in agreement that it is time.

 

[Fog Ducker]

Im on Remi and MTX and its working wonders for me. No flares no nothing, little D if I eat what I know I shouldnt but thats only for a couple days.

 

[chelli]

I had about 3 Remicade infusions and they did nothing for me. I then started MTX and it has put me in remission.

I wouldn't be afraid of Remicade. Sure there could be side effects but they are not guaranteed and they are actually rare.

I think we are all different so we have to do what is going to work for us.

Good luck.

 

[imisspopcorn]

He doesn't even want to treat me if I won't go on it. I'm not totally opposed to Remicade but I'm just not sure if I am ready or sick enough to start it.:confused2:

Hi MountainGem,

It 's a shame your Rheumatologists is digging his heals in like that....That seems like a harsh ultimatum.....You can always try the steroids and if it doesn't work move on to the Remicade......

I love Remicade, it has worked wonders for me. Good luck with the decision.

 

[Mountaingem]

GI got back to me, doesn't agree with Rheumatologist, upped MTX to 20 mg. No Remicade for now. Thanks everyone for your support and experiences. For those of you like Fog Ducker who take both Methotrexate and Remicade, why did the doctors prescribe both meds? Did just one of them not work?

 

[Crohn's 35]

Too bad I thought the Remicade might have been the better way. It treats both so that dont make sense. Good luck with the Meth.

 

[CrohnsHobo]

I took Remi but it failed after years of working. Now I am on Humira and Metho (25mg)

 

[Fog Ducker]

My GI likes to pair a immunosuppressant (MTX) with a TNF blocker (Remi) He said they find the best results are had when you use both..
Sorry I dont have any more info than that. As soon as he said works better, that was all I needed to hear!

 

[Peaches]

GI got back to me, doesn't agree with Rheumatologist, upped MTX to 20 mg. No Remicade for now. Thanks everyone for your support and experiences. For those of you like Fog Ducker who take both Methotrexate and Remicade, why did the doctors prescribe both meds? Did just one of them not work?

I was on both - and like Fog said - doc said it tends to work better. I also think they want you on both to reduce possibility of gaining antibodies to the Remicade over time and so the Remicade will last longer (as you are double suppressed).

 

[Mountaingem]

Oh, this is so interesting! Thanks everyone you guys are so helpful!