Infliximab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Jim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 28, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA about 12 years ago. Started on Methotrexate but had to discontinue because of higher than normal enzyme levels in either my kidneys or liver (can't remember which organ). My RA doctor recommended we switch to a biologic, Remicade. I was also on Plaquenil and Leflunomide along with Remicade but have since discontinued Plaquenil with no issues. Still taking Leflunomide. I've been taking Remicade (800 mg infusion every 6 weeks) and Leflunomide (pill once a day) now for over 10 years since my diagnosis of RA. I've had no side effects with Remicade or Leflunomide, no joint damage (caught RA diagnosis very early), and in complete remission for over 10 years. Now my insurance company wants to switch me to Inflectra over Remicade because it is cheaper. I may have no choice, but I'll be calling my RA doctor and see what he thinks. May have to appeal to the insurance company if my RA doctor has reservations and stay on Remicade which works remarkably for me!"

• Jim...
• December 31, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Watch out for Inflectra. I originally discussed with my doctor about using Remicade for my P-Arthritis and psoriasis because it is covered by Medicare and Humira is not. However, when I went in, I was given Inflectra instead. The nurses tell you it's the same thing or a generic version. They use the Inflectra for prescribed Remicade patients because it costs less. The Inflectra worked on my first two infusions, but by the third injection, it was useless. My arthritis and psoriasis came back in full force. At the last infusion, I had an allergic reaction to the Inflectra at the hospital and was told by the nurse that I almost ended up in the ER. Then, when I told the nurse that the Inflectra wasn't working anyway, she told me to demand Remicade and they would have to give it to me. A report about the allergic reaction and Inflectra not working went to my doctor, and now I am supposed to start Remicade this weekend. I'll post a review on Remicade once I have had a few treatments."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis "I used Remicade for a little over a year, and it helped tremendously. While I was on it, I never felt better. The only reason I had to stop taking it was because I lost my insurance after I was laid off. My doctor's office found a program to help pay for the treatments, and I will be going back on the Remicade soon. Can't wait."

• Ann...
• October 13, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I went in yesterday morning at 9 a.m. to receive my first infusion of Remicade. Had my IV inserted in my arm and had my vitals checked at the beginning and then every 15-30 minutes. By the time I was leaving the doctor, it was about 1:00 p.m. So it takes a while for the first time, but after that it won't take as long. The only kind of downside to it was that I got just a little sleepy, which I read was common. It's 1:15 p.m., the following day of my first infusion, and I haven't felt a single ounce of pain in any of my joints. I understand it's only 24 hours later, but I am usually in a lot of pain all morning and I didn't have any morning stiffness when I got out of bed this morning. Very pleased so far!"

• Mec...
• May 8, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about 12 years ago and have been on Remicade for about 2 of those years. I am still taking Asacol and getting the Remicade infusions every 8 weeks, but I feel about 90-95% better since being on Remicade. I have not noticed any real side effects from taking Remicade, but I have heard from other patients that they have had them. I still think that if I had any side effects (with the exception of major ones), I would stay on it as long as I can. The only thing I honestly can complain about is the cost. I would say if anyone is being told that it is an option for their ulcerative colitis or any of the other issues that are in the same family (IBS, Crohn's, etc.), it is a huge help."

• Goo...
• July 21, 2015

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "Right after my daughter's 13 yr. birthday, she had severe bleeding and was diagnosed with severe Crohn's and colitis. She has been on Remicade since January and has infusions every six weeks. She was put on Prednisone in March since the infusions did not stop the bleeding alone. She is now being weaned off the steroids, thank God, and is on Remicade for the rest of the year for now. She gets a boost of energy after her infusions, but is very smart about what she can and can't eat. Prayers to you all going through this."

• Cyn...
• June 29, 2009

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on two other DMARDs (Enbrel and Orencia) with little or only so-so results. With Remicade, I felt relief almost immediately with no adverse reactions. I noticed my inflammation and pain have greatly decreased, but most importantly, the fatigue that dogged me has lifted. I am hoping that this medicine keeps working for a long time."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2020

For Ulcerative Colitis "Was on REMICADE. Everything was great, and I was back to feeling normal and in remission for a long time. My insurance company did a mandatory med change so they could save a little bit of money. Now I'm in major pain again, going through a flare-up and near having to go to the ER to get help. One dose of Inflectra was all it took to mess me up again. My insurance won't even let me back on REMICADE. I truly hope no one else has to be forced on Inflectra."

• Ilo...
• February 26, 2012

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "For two years (09' 10') we were trying to figure out why my knee hurt so bad. Over the two years, it moved into my whole body! I had seen 5 doctors, but they had no idea and gave me guidelines of what I could not do, which made the RA flare-up worse. On Dec. 8, 10, I was at school (I am not one to complain about pain) and I broke down crying. My rheumatoid arthritis had gotten so bad in my back that it started shutting down my SNS and I could not walk. I had to have my friends carry me to the school office. My parents stayed home with me for a week because I could not move without someone. We were able to get in to see a pediatric rheumatologist on Dec. 15, 10. That day I was diagnosed with the disease. This is the first medicine that has helped."

• Jma...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2016

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed with UC in March 2015 out of nowhere. Rapidly got bad and needed to be hospitalized for a week to get the flare under control. Was given heavy doses of steroids (awful), and they did nothing to help. I was released from the hospital after a week, and symptoms were still bad. About 2 weeks later, after not being able to eat and losing 20 lbs, I was barely able to walk and was readmitted, this time I went to Columbia in NYC. I wasn't able to eat for the full first week in the hospital, and symptoms were steadily horrible. My doctor decided to give me a loading dose of Remicade, and the results were almost immediate! I have been on Remicade every 8 weeks since and don't have a single symptom of UC. It's been a lifesaver!"

• fes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2013

For Crohn's Disease "First couple trips are the worst, but after that, it becomes a routine and it works wonders. I'm not lying, it gave me my life back until my insurance couldn't pay. Now I use Humira, no competition. Remicade, hands down. So if you are doing bad, try it."

• ADL...
• October 30, 2008

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After a double synovectomy of my right wrist and left elbow in 1985 at the age of twenty, I had sixteen years of remission until 2001 when I had a downward spiral rheumatic flare. I was disabled for eight months, and my rheumatologist put me on very high doses of methotrexate and Vioxx. I was only able to walk with a cane. I found relief in 2002 to 2003, but another flare-up dislocated my left wrist and crippled my fingers. I started the year 2004 with a synovectomy of the left wrist. At this point, I had enough of the methotrexate and Vioxx. I sought alternative treatments of glucosamine/MSM, with Tylenol Arthritis for pain. In 2006, during another flare-up, I moved to RTP, where my doctor introduced me to Remicade with medium doses of methotrexate. No pain, I'm happy."

• J R...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 14, 2019

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was 26 years old, and I am now 66 and have been on Remicade since 2008. I get my infusion every 8 weeks, and for me, it works for my Crohn's. I am somewhat tired after my infusion, sometimes the next day for about half the day. For me, I can't imagine not being on it."

• Dan...
• March 10, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed 3 years ago with severe ulcerative colitis. Asacol and prednisone worked at first, but after each outbreak, the medicines seemed less effective. My last attack left me under 100 lbs, severely anemic, and in enough pain that I needed to be kept in a continuous Dilaudid-induced daze. So many people have told me how terrible Remicade is and that I just need to, 'find the right diet.' If diet works for you, great! Remicade was the only thing that worked for me. The cons: it's expensive, but luckily my insurance covers it. It's inconvenient to go to the hospital every 6 weeks. I haven't noticed any side effects except hair loss at first, but now my hair is growing back. I've been told that the hair loss could also have been from all the weight loss."

• Jes...
• March 24, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had been on Remicade for many years with no side effects at all, perhaps a little tired every once in a while, but nothing serious. My doctor and I questioned whether I had rheumatoid arthritis. Then, all of a sudden, the Remicade stopped working, and bam, I had 2 flares that were unbelievable before the doc could get anything to work for me. I was heartbroken because it was such a good medicine for me."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was on Remicade for the past four years. It has recently started giving me bad reactions during the infusion. My arthritis would also flare 1.5-2 weeks after the infusion. Loved Remicade, hated how expensive it was."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have only been living with this UC for about 5 months and couldn’t find anything to help. After the 1st infusion, I noticed a big improvement until I hurt my back and took a lot of ibuprofen and Aleve for the pain, and had a major flare-up. I had my 2nd infusion, and then that cleared up by about 80%. Now I have anxieties, but not from Remicade. I'm going for my 3rd infusion in 2 1/2 weeks, then every 8 weeks. Prayers, a positive attitude, and a good diet, I will be fine."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have had 4 Remicade infusions in combination with MTX and Plaquinil. The 1st infusion was great and all my pain was gone. I thought OMG a miracle drug! Then, 2nd infusion I had a reaction which felt like I was having a stress test performed, a bit scary, and then the hands and feet broke out with a horrible psoriasis-type rash which I have never had before (and still can't seem to cure). 3rd infusion with Benadryl injection was 6 hours of slight reaction and then little or no relief from the pain. 4th injection with twice as much Benadryl prior to the injection and 10 hours of reaction while being infused and zero relief after. The fact. I gave up on Remicade."

• A H...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 25, 2017

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have been on Remicade since I was 7 years old when I developed Crohn's disease. I am 26 years old this year. For the past 19 years, I have been receiving this medicine, and it has kept me healthy. You do need to find a cycle, be it 4, 6, or 8 weeks, for your infusions. I do every 6 weeks, and it keeps my symptoms minimal. The day of and the day after the infusion, I feel like crap, tired, painful joints, but after that wears off, I feel a lot better than before the infusion."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2020

For Crohn's Disease "I was forced to switch biologics due to the insurance company wanting to save some money. I was finally feeling somewhat normal after being on Remicade for a year. Now I am taking Inflectra and have been feeling awful. In and out of cramping, zero energy, nauseous all the time, and a few other issues. I would like to think my health is more important than my insurance company saving a few dollars."

• Aus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis "I could not get the colitis under control for 18 months, finally, my doctor prescribed Remicade. Well, after the first treatment, bleeding stopped, and I feel like a normal person again. Only small side effect for me is I feel a bit dizzy just after the treatment."

• car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After several years on the drug, I developed asthma and then chronic bronchitis, which ended with a severe bout of pneumonia. This happened despite my taking the vaccination for it. Please be aware of these problems. I had told my doctor, who really did not listen until I got very sick and then agreed it was, in part, the Remicade."

• Anonymous
• February 21, 2011

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Remicade is the only medicine I have taken in the last 6 years that has given me relief. I was scared to try it, but I have not had any side effects, and the improvement is significant. It kicks in quickly for me (within a day), but it also wears off before my insurance will let me get another dose. Some relief is better than none, though, so no complaints from me. I only hope that I don't build up an immunity to it anytime soon."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2014

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "My son started Remicade at 13 years. He has severe Crohn's flare-ups, and this was a last resort aside from surgery for him. The Remicade treatment gave him few side effects. He didn't get any headaches or tiredness. And he didn't get sick easier like they said he would. When almost our whole house (7 of us) got the flu, Micah didn't. Micah just took his last dose 8 weeks ago after being on Remicade for over a year and a half. (Micah was on Lialda too.) Even when they used the amount of Remicade, Micah was still getting flare-ups every other month or so. They tested his blood and found out he had antibodies to the Remicade, which means his body was attacking the Remicade, and that's why it was only working right after the infusions."

• Lan...
• February 18, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Just had my 3rd Remicade infusion, can't believe all I'm able to do. Due to some joint damage in my knees and hips, not totally free of pain. Best I've felt in years. Severely reduced prednisone after 3 years, plan to stop. Diagnosed in 2013, but have had symptoms off and on for 25 years. Little to no improvement with Humira, Enbrel, Orencia, Actemra, Plaquenil, Methotrexate made me sick, Xeljanz, Sulfasalazine. Vitamins, no sugar, wheat, or milk helped me also. Joint pain and swelling nearly gone. Praying it lasts, thanking God."