Remecade Treatment - Arthritis Message Board

StiffJim · 04-24-2001, 08:17 PM

Stiffjim (32yrs old)- I have been on methotrexate and vioxx for a few years to treat Psoriatic Arthritis. It tends to work fairly well just so long as I never forget to take my vioxx. I am considering a new treatment (Remecade) which is administered via an IV at the hospital. It takes 2 hrs, once every 2 weeks to start, then every month and eventually treatment every 2 months.
Please let me know any pro's or con's?
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
StiffJim

tchair · 05-08-2001, 11:19 PM

According to the published literature remicade is as effective as Enbrel, both very good where other meds fail. Remicade with methotrexate is said to be able to reverse some arthritis. My understanding is that the Methotrexate is the more worrysome medication.

Ann S · 05-09-2001, 11:42 AM

Hi,
Methotrexate is also used to treat some of the other autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus. Do you know if that is true of the Enbrel & Remecade? I've seen the remecade ads on t.v. for RA, but what is the Enbrel? The cost sounded astronomical, isn't it covered by most insurances? Although if they only cover 80%, that's still unbearable.
Thanks for the info, Ann

StiffJim · 05-09-2001, 08:34 PM

I have found a little more info on Remicade(actual spelling). The drug is very effective on rhuematoid arthritis especially when combined with methotrexate. Most of the modern day drugs slow down the process but studies have shown that the combo of drugs have actually stopped the progression within a five year window.
Remicade is super expensive at this time and does need to be infused by IV at a hospital.
The folowing may only apply to canadians???
The drug costs somewhere between $20,000 - $30,000 per year(unbelievable). I have been placed in a program via my Doc which covers my treatments 100% until it is available at the drug store. I am currently waiting for the hospital to book my first treatment.
**** Everyone on Metho (men included)***
if you are planning on having(making) a baby soon you should be off the drug for at least 3 months)

Best luck to everyone,

Stiffjim

kibble · 07-29-2002, 05:12 AM

StiffJim...how've you been doing with the REMICADE infusion therapy. I'm up to the 8 week mark and still using predisone (down finally to 7mg/day), vioxx (25mg/day), and 20mg methly each week (7 tablets)...I hope I can get off the Meth as it makes me feel horrible for the first 2 days after the dose intake...but, could be worse I suppose.) The REMICADE is the only thing that's controled/reduced my extreme edema/swelling and brought back funtion and capability and reduced faitigue.