Does anyone take Remicade for Crohn's disease?

Question

A friend asked me to check with folks for her symptoms. She normally has very low blood pressure but when she got her treatment today it apparently dropped dangerously low, although the nurse wouldn't tell her how low. Has anyone else experienced a drop in blood pressure while receiving the Remicade? Also, each time she has gotten a treatment, it has gotten progressively more exhausting for her. She had her 4th treatment today. Her twin sister has been taking the treatments for several years and has not had these problems. Anyone else have unusual problems?

Answer 1

Hi, I have had Crohn's for 15 + years. I am currently on Remicade every 8 weeks. I have not had problems with my blood pressure, but I do have to take benedryl with my infusion because of itchy hands & feet. Most of the time I am super tired after infusions, I try to do mine on a Friday afternoon & then I come home & sleep til the next morning. Remicade effects people differently, If she is feeling better (besides the tiredness, which is completely normal) & resuming her normal life & her blood pressure is staying where the nurse & dr. feel it's okay, I would say stick it out a few more times. Her body will probably get used to it.

Answer 2

The bad thing about Crohn's disease is that each case is so drastically different. Remicade may well work for your friend, but then again it may not :-( It's a very unfortunate fact of the condition. But tell her not to lose heart! There are 3 things that you should always remember with Crohns:

1 - Drink PLENTY of fluids. But nothing with Alcohol or Caffiene in it. You have to keep your body as hydrated as possible

2 - Report ANYTHING that happens to your doctor. Crohn's can get VERY embarrassing, but don't be scared of your Doc. They've seen it ALL and they can help.

3 - Keep smiling :) When you're happy, your gut is happy. It may seem like a hard time always, but keep that chin up!

Answer 3

Below is some informtation I found on the side effects. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck to your friend and I hope she feels at least a little better soon.

Infliximab (brand name Remicade, pronounced REM-ih-kaid) is a systemic biologic therapy currently approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (in combination with methotrexate). Remicade was approved for Crohn's disease in 1998 and for rheumatoid arthritis in 1999. It is prescribed "off-label" for psoriatic arthritis, meaning physicians can prescribe it, but it hasn't been approved for psoriatic arthritis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is also being studied for treating psoriasis.

How Does It Work?
Remicade specifically targets a key cellular messenger involved in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This messenger is called "TNF-alpha" and it causes inflammation and activation of the immune system. Overproduction of TNF-alpha is believed to play a role in psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Remicade binds to TNF-alpha on the cell membrane and in the blood.

Remicade is given by IV infusion in a doctor's office over a two- to four-hour period.

What are the possible side effects?
IRemicade appears to contribute to the emergence of tuberculosis (TB) in patients who have a silent, or dormant TB infection. Rheumatologists should test any patient for dormant tuberculosis prior to prescribing anti-TNF therapy. There are also reports of serious infusion reactions with hives, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.

In clinical studies, some people experienced the following common side effects:

upper respiratory infections
headache
nausea
cough
sinusitis
rash or itchy skin at infusion site