Infliximab and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Soc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2021

For Crohn's Disease "Insurance forced me to switch to Inflectra due to being cheaper for them for my Crohn's. I did not have a say, and insurance won't listen to Dr. recommendations. While on Remicade, I only had flare-ups 3 days a month during my period, but no other issues or side effects. Yet after only 2 infusions on Inflectra, I have multiple daily loose stools regardless of a healthy diet, as well as bloody stools at least once a day. In addition to Inflectra not preventing flare-ups, inflammation, and symptoms, Inflectra has incurred more issues that I didn't have previously: kidney pain, rib pain, joint pain: shoulders, wrists, ankles, nausea, headaches, severe fatigue, Charlie horse cramping in my hands, where I can't move my thumb; it's completely contracted. I'm in my early 40s with a toddler to try to keep up with, as well as a career to maintain, and this isn't fair to me or my family."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Horrible joint swelling/pain, fatigue like none other. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. figures I probably have had this 15 years, a few replacements along the way. Took MAJOR flare to be diagnosed. Loads of joint damage all over. Started on Remicade, nervous. Cannot take methotrexate due to kidney disease. Third dose dr increased dose, 5 days feeling worn then MIRACLE! NO swelling, pain, best I have been in years, no fatigue. Hoping it continues with each infusion. In tears of joy everyday with my quality of life."

• 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."

• Nic...
• January 7, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA in 2004 and began steroids and methotrexate. Next, I started Enbrel for approximately 8 months, but the citric acid in the Enbrel was unbearable. Then I began Remicade infusions. I started out nine years ago every 6 weeks. I'm now on 700 mg every four weeks and weekly injections of methotrexate, but wouldn't change a thing. I still have stiffness here or there, but the fatigue and pain I used to experience are gone, and I live a full and happy life. It's been such a blessing to me."

• WCW...
• April 12, 2020

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I am now 80 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's about 3 years ago. Late in life, I know, but was misdiagnosed with IBS and put on mesalamine, which only made me lose my appetite, lost so much energy that I could not walk 10 feet. Went to a teaching hospital and was quickly suspected and diagnosed with Crohn's. Shortly afterwards, I was put on Remicade. Total remission, regained strength and bowel control within a week and appetite. At first on 8 weeks but noted a tendency to some flare tendency toward the end, so I was put on 6 weeks. Have had no problems and lead a 'normal' life with my wife, children, and grandchildren now! Make sure I follow my doctor's advice, including all vaccinations he recommends. He does full blood work before every infusion. He is very quick to respond to any contacts or questions I make with him."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2009

For Behcet's Disease "I have been taking Remicade for approximately one year now and find it works quite well for my Behçet's symptoms. Things were great during the initial phase of loading doses, but I found once my treatments were scheduled for every eight weeks, I seemed to experience a flare before my next session (around the 5 or 6 week period). My doctor has just increased the treatments to every four weeks, and we are hoping this will get rid of my flares altogether. The only side effect of the Remicade that I have experienced is fatigue following the infusion."

• Lul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I feel very tired all the time, am housebound due to fatigue and pain. I also have ankylosing spondylitis. I’m due for my third 8-week treatment next week. It also makes my moods labile in the first week after treatment. I’m 62 years old, unable to work. I’m hoping for things to get better soon."

• bjd...
• September 9, 2009

For Crohn's Disease, Active "It made me ill for 2-3 days after infusion, including headaches and nausea. I was also very sluggish and more tired. That was hard to accept with the acute chronic fatigue syndrome I already deal with."

• Sus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2022

"I received the infusion every 8 weeks for Behcet’s disease. It helped with joint pain and ulcers at first and stopped working. I have gained over 20 pounds and have issues with edema. Painful ankle swelling and facial water retention in the middle of my forehead. I am also very fatigued with little motivation to leave my home. The weight gain has caused depression."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

For Ulcerative Colitis "It worked the first time pretty well, my moderate to severe ulcerative colitis symptoms went away for the most part. I experienced flu-like symptoms after the infusion for two days. The second time, I experienced fatigue and joint pain for two to three days, and I could hardly move. I went to urgent care. The doctor said to stop taking it. My hair was also falling out by the bundles, as others mentioned. The doctor wants me to try Humira. Biologics have serious side effects, so I’ll take a risk and see what happens this time."

• Ins...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2022

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I have been on Remicade since January 2017. The last year I have noted the same reliable results, but that I now have horrible dry mouth, which wakes me up several times a night for water. I have also noted the worst fatigue, which finds me dozing off mid-afternoon."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 19, 2023

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Extreme fatigue is incompatible with working even part-time. No benefit for joint pain. Very disappointed."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2023

For Crohn's Disease, Active "Excellent for avoiding flare-ups, but I have had long bouts of fatigue."