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can you take remicade infusion with 4 to 5 months intervals?

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beat_AS
beat_AS

I take it only when i have pain and stiffness that occurs after about 4/5 months after remicade infusion and is there any risk of developing antibodies against remicade due to this interval?Replies will be appreciated ! thks!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • peter21326
    peter21326 beat_AS

    Posted

    I'm no expert on the protocol for Remicade.  But I'd probably be more concerned about the effectiveness of the drug since you should be building up a certain blood level to stay effective.  I don't think you can use it as a firefighting tool to just snuff out periodic AS brushfires.  But as to antibodies I'm not sure.  I was given 3mg/kl of body weight for a couple of months with no effect.  The dosage was boosted to 4mg/kl and the first time they tried that I got red blotches all over my chest and arms. That ended Remicade for me. 

    ?But as to the Remicade protocol I also have a question.   It is pretty standard with the biologics to give a loading dose in the beginning.  Flooding the system at first and then settling into the month to month regimen.  My rheumy at the time did not do that.   She just started giving me monthly doses.  But my wife's rheumy and several infusion nurses I've spoken to all say the frontend loading period is standard protocol.   My rheumy just rolled her eyes when I asked and said there was more than one way to do it.  Has anyone also done Remicade without that loading dose in the beginning?

     

    • beat_AS
      beat_AS peter21326

      Posted

      Thanks Peter all info helps. I don't get one thing straight, since remicade is still effective after1.5 years that I am following the treatment with intervals why is it necessary to follow 8week dosage.... Pharma wants more money? After all it is expensive . 

    • conalou
      conalou peter21326

      Posted

      I  am a pharmacist in the US. Remicade is commonly dosed without a loading dose here. 

      With long intervals between dosed your body can create antibodies, making it more likely that you will have a reaction to a future dose.

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