User Reviews for Remicade intravenous

I have been on Remicade for almost 5 years now. It was great in the beginning, but then after 4 years, I got a rash during infusion but Dr said it was the pre meds I take. I am still taking Remicade but have frequent headaches that last for days and am always very tired. No other option since Humira isn 't recommended for me.

I have taken Remicade by IV for Crohn's Disease and although I have gotten some relief for the uncontrollable diarrhea, after my last dose, I developed severe joint pain and because of my crohn's disease, my rheumatologist only recommends Tylenol and it has not helped with the pain at all.

I was very happy with the effectiveness of Remicade--I saw a lot of improvement with my Crohn's Disease symptoms within a day or two of first infusion. Unfortunately, I had an allergic reaction both times. First time, I had hives on face and shoulders and back within 1 hour of completing treatment. (Tylenol and Benedryl given beforehand.) During second infustion, had extreme nausea, and severe tongue swelling, with hives or blisters on tongue. Was given steroid and benedryl by IV, symptoms went away within a few hours. My GI doesn't think it's safe to continue; I'm disappointed because it was effective, but it doesn't seem safe for me.Read More Read Less

I started using Remicade and it helped SO MUCH. I had no pain at all for weeks at a time and it was great. i only stopped using it because i started having allergic reactions 3 or 4 infusions in. If i hadn't i probably would've stayed with itfor the rest of my life.

I felt my life was basically over before I started Remicade infusions. After my first infusion I began to feel like my old self again. No flares or pain. I've only had five infusions but am hopeful I continue to benefit from this. I've had itching and dry mouth but can handle that. I'm so much better off now.

Works by the 3rd dose. Don't expect much in the beginning and you won't be disappointed. I have had no side effects at all.

Severe pain in arms, shoulders and legs before using Remicade. I had to use two canes for walking and could not lift arm above my shoulders. Dosage and frequency has been changed a few times. I can now walk without aids and can raise my arms over my head. This has "saved" my life. My depression has lessened as I have reentered a normal lifestyle. Thank You Dr David Chesner, Dr Glenn Hyatt and Remicade for saving me!

Allows me independence. I am able to function on my own after a treatment.

I've been on Remicade for just over 3 years, and I've been in remission most of that time. I get my infusions every 8 weeks. I've had several minor infections over this time and taken lots of antibiotics. I could live with all that, but just recently I was tested for lymphoma because of my white blood cell counts that doctors did not like. That came back positive and then I had to have a bone marrow biopsy (extreme ouch), which showed I do now have lymphoma cancer, which is a known side-effect of the Remicade. They say it is very early yet and I do not need treatment for it, but they have to continuously watch it now. Also, I have been having severe headaches this year that OTC drugs don't help, plus I also notice I am having difficulty focusing. This is serious for me because I work in a very technical field and I need to be able to do this to continue working (which I HAVE to do). So, even though the Remicade works for my Crohns, I now really find myself questioning whether it was worth it. Which is worse, Crohns or cancer?? Ask yourself that, because as much as they say it won't happen to you, my doctor assured me I would be safe with it based on tests he ran in advance, doctors don't know everything, obviously.Read More Read Less

I have been getting infusions of Remicade for four years now. At first it was a blessing from God. Then I started having a rash, hives, RA and nerve damage in my feet. The doctors cannot find the cause, yet do not think that I should stop the infusions because of the risk of having another flare up. Is anyone else in my boat? Have you found something else for your UC that works without the side effects of steroids or remicade? Let me know if you hear of anything, please.

After over 2 years of treatment, Remicade has kept me in somewhat medicine induced remission of Crohn's. Treatments started at 8 week intervals at 7/mg per kg and now at 7 mg/ kg every 6 weeks. I still have diarrhea and sporadic abdominal pains. Polyps have advanced from normal to adenoma. I have sporadic after effects of the treatments lasting 1-4 days which include fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, light headed, abdominal pain, and nausea. I don't always suffer from all of these symptoms at once but one or more at a time. Although Remicade has not been a "miracle" drug, it has kept me in medicine induced remission which is better than full fledged Crohn's symptoms. Another problem associated with this disease and treatments of course is financial. Cost varies with my weight and time in the clinic. Costs have ranged from $9,000 to $14,000 per treatment with the majority covered by insurance however time off from work is not only a drain on finances due to the treatment but also the time off from side effects mentioned above and the fact that time off also affects attendance at work. I suggest applying for FMLA for these treatments and side effects that require time off from work.Read More Read Less

I developed melanoma after being on this drug and I am sure Remicade was the cause.

so far I have shown improvement - not as much gas or cramps or pain and less stool incontinence

i was very lucky in that, since being dx'd w Crohns Disease in 1998, i have not had to have surgery yet. By 2000 i was very dependant on Prednisone and only had symptoms relieved while on it. My doctor started me on Remicade treatments, along w the Imuran that i was already taking. i've had minor headaches w infusions as well as light outbreak of hives early on, so now, prior to each infusion, i take 2 Benadryl tablets and 2 tylenol. i consider Remicade a miracle for myself and am glad to know it's helped so many i talk to!Read More Read Less

Diagnosed with severe UC in 1995. After many years of failed treatments and hospitalizations, went on Remicaid 7 years ago and took it every 8 weeks for 6 years. Honestly it did change my life. Literally cured the UC and I have never had a relapse since starting the treatment. However....After about 4 1/2 years, started getting minor headaches now and then. These turned into everyday occurrences, which turned into major headaches. I also started experiencing severe mood swings that mirrored hormone problems or "Low-T" like symptoms. I didn't at first relate the two, but after about a year and a half of dealing with it, I eventually wound up back at the Gastro Doc who informed me that the headaches are a well-known but little discussed side-effect of the drug. And the hormone issues are just beginning to be discovered. I immediately came off the drug. The mood issues went away within a month, but I now suffer from persistent cluster headaches. Google it, and you'll find that it's much like a migraine, only worse. Described by many as the worst pain known to man. Both my primary care and my neurologist (yes I had to get one of those now) attribute this directly to the Remicaid. My best advise is to CAREFULLY evaluate your options here. This drug will likely help or may even cure your UC, but you may end up with VERY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS for the REST OF YOUR LIFE because of it.Read More Read Less

I have been taking Remicade infusions for 2 and a half years for Crohn's disease and my doctor told me to avoid grapefruit. Hope this helps you!

I took Remicade from Sept 2003 until Dec 2008 at which time my insurance changed and I wasn't able to continue with it. It may a wonderful difference in my ability to have my life back again. I tried to restart last year but was unable to due to an allergic reaction to my second starter infusion. I would give anything to be able to tak this drug again.

I have been on remicade for 2 month. just had my third treatment. The results have been far better then all the other treatments combined. When I started the Remicaed I was in a full blown episode peeling everywhere feet hurt could not sleep in bed with my wife because her movement and the friction from the sheets was painful showering hurt. After the first treatment the pain went away and the peeling decreased tremendously. MY hands have cleared up, and with the added PUVA treatment I'm getting I am finally seeing real results. I recently retired and missed my whole first summer with my condition and the discomfort it caused. Now maybe just maybe I can enjoy what I worked 30 yrs for. P.S. works best with PUVA treatment addedRead More Read Less