First infusion of inflectra

Hi Debbie, I looked up Inflectra and it said that Inflectra was a biosimilar for Remicade.  I don't know anything about Inflectra but I was on Remicade for about a year and a half.  I had no reactions and the drug worked fine. After about a year and a half it slowly quit working and I had to go on another biologic. I hope this helps.  Jo

Dear Debbie,

Now you have a friend with RA, actually JRA, for 54 years now...I was just 65!

i have been on rituximab infusions for six years now. Yes, it is boring to sit in a chair all day while it drips in. But the results have been so dramatic.

The night before infusion I take 509 mg tylenol, 25 mg benadryl, and an alegra.

The morning if the infusion I take the same thing. When I arrive at the infusion center, they begin the line, withdraw blood tests, and begin a saline drip. Next they administer 30 mg of solumedrol which is a steriod. All of this is to hold down any adverse reaction.

Finally, the infusion begins...very, very, very slowly...also to minimize adverse reaction. You blood pressure will be taken every thirty minutes and you will be asked if you are feeling okay. If you respond "no" they will stop, rest, and restart even slower. If you respond "yes" the will gently increase the rate.

Take a deep breath, I am with you.

Kind regards,

judith

HI Debbie

    You will find friends here to help provide support and advice.   I can't answer the question about the infusion but I will be thinking of you tomorrow and wishing you the very best.   They will keep a very close eye on you to monitor any signs of adverse reaction and give medications as needed to combat side effects

    Let us know how it went.  I hope this drug works for you for a very long time!

This medication filters out the memory cells and it's like your body forgets you have RA.  If you can take it at the proven intervals you should do well for many years.

Please don't assume the worst! I don't know this drug but I also found none of the usual drugs worked very long and I was put on an infusion of a bio drug which come with a long list of side effects including death! But I knew the benefits were potentially very good. I had it and no problems at all. Only 8 out of 10 people have side effects on methotrexate for example. I never had any on that either. You can get severe side effects with most drugs but most of us don't! Be brave and you may be pleasantly surprised. You can think symptoms on if you wait for them! If for some reason you get a side effect they can deal with it! Good luck.

Well had my first one done today... It went well, apart from me having a total meltdown and crying on front of everyone lol... Fingers crossed I don't get side effects thankyou all for your kind words.. It means a lot as I didn't have anyone to talk to about this x

Hi Debbie,  any new drug is daunting I know.. this may just e "the one" so you can only try.   Write to nras and ask them for their help.  they may be able to buddy you with someone who has some experience of this drug in a positive way!  everyone is so different with RA drugs, my friend had complete remission for 3 years ater one session of Ritox and I had the most dreadful adverse reaction.... you can just never tell.    Fortunately I have a drug which works well for me now so have faith and hope.  Rooting for you!

Hello debbie39876,

How are you doing?  I am a new member and I saw where you are on this drug called Inflectra.  How did this work for you?  I have a doctors appointment this week and I am going to request that I be put on Inflectra, but it is for ulcerative colitis & irrated bowel syndrome.  Hopeful it will help with my joints as well.  Please give me some insight.