Re: Remicade - how long to see results?

[Guest guest]

Dear Jeannie- Remicade for me was like stepping out of a nightmare into a dream. The change was very drastic. I was completely numb. I had no pain sensation. I was in such a bad state then, back in 2000. Remicade works best with MTX which I learned the hard way. I hate the way MTX makes me feel, but after taking it week after week, I noticed a great improvement in my RA symptoms. Because Remicade and other biologics are used to tweak your TNF factor, some people are immune to its benefits. Discuss B cell drugs with your doctor. Rituximab is due to be out soon, and Abatacept might work where Remicade hasnt. Are you taking other drugs besides Remicade? Everyone is different so results and immune systems vary. Your dosage or infusion period may need to be increased. Drinking lots of fluids, including gatorade and water help immensely. Try to get in to see an immunologist if you can, and have them run specific tests to find out what your immune system is doing, so they can find away to make it stop attacking you. Be sure to use good pain management, because while Remicade still works for me, it wont work forever, and I know given time my body will outsmart this drug, as it always does given time. Blessings, Deborah

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeanne

For me the Remicade was almost instant. I saw a big improvement the day

after my first dose. I couldn't believe it. I'm just not liking the

headaches. The first couple of doses though only lastted 2 to 2 1/2

weeks. But so far the last dose has lasted much longer. I was the same

with Enbrel. That med never really worked for me, no real inprovement

there.

Are you also on MTX with the Remicade because I think that might help

with the treatment.

Hope it will start working for you soon. Take care.

Hugs

AnneMarie

> I have been on Remicade for 3 months now and have not seen any

> improvement. The only change I've seen is terrible headaches which I

> never had before. Has anyone actually improved on Remicade, and if

> so, how long did it take? Do you still have to get the infusions to

> stay in remission? Thanks, Jeannie