Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

If Remicade is expensive whats the atlernative?


Mon, October 25, 2010 5:14 AM

i been taking Remicade since 2002 and its getting very expensive on my insurance whose making it harder to cover it. My doctor is trying to find another alternative..6MP nearly put me in hospital with bad reaction..i been hearing talks of Humira even though im not fond of giving myself needles on a monthly basis..at least Remicade was a once a couple weeks away versus 2 weeks or whatever these other medicines provide. If anybody who are taking something other than Remicade thats helping them..i like to hear about another alternative??

FPO blackdisney
Joined May 23, 2008

Fri, November 12, 2010 8:06 PM

 Reply posted for blackdisney.

Have you applied for the Remicade rebate program, Remistart? It will cover up to $550 of your out of pocket expense for every infusion. You can only get the offer for 12 months then based on income after that. Here is a link. It really saved us a lot when we could not have afforded treatments.

http://www.centocoraccessone.com/centocoraccessone/pages/remicade/patientassist/intro.jsp

FPO nwmom
Joined Mar 25, 2008

Tue, November 02, 2010 1:44 PM

 Reply posted for blackdisney.

With any drug there is always a laundry list of side effects. I personally have been getting much better at eating more foods since I started Humira. I able to hold down more dairy products than before and even have a few spicy foods here or there. I cannot say it will not bother your eating habits, becuase everyone's experience is different.

I hope your doctor visit goes well. Ask your doctor as many questions as you want and read all of the warnings that come with the medication. Hope to hear from you soon...and sorry about the delay on the answer to your question.

FPO misslesliejean
Joined Jun 3, 2010

Wed, October 27, 2010 3:43 AM

 Reply posted for misslesliejean.

i take Asacol, barely take Prednisone,The Remicade seems to be the main medicine that keeps me going but its the insurance slowing me down. Humira doesnt sound bad like you said i thank you for the advice. Im not very fond of needles which is wierd since Remicade is through IV. Wish they had a pill form of Remicade and Humira. if i have to poke myself i'll do it versus staying in the cold air hospitals where i dont get sleep cause the nurses are talking loud or that patient thats very loud in pain needs attention.

Does Humira have any side effects or keeps me from eating certain foods?

im suppose to go to hospital next Tuesday for Colonostrophy and im sure theyre going to see if it got worse probably dialate area most needed.Probably area where i had a fisture(dont knw if i spelled it right). I'll keep you posted.

FPO blackdisney
Joined May 23, 2008

Tue, October 26, 2010 12:04 PM

 Reply posted for blackdisney.

I just recently started Humira Sub Q (Pen) Shots on a bi-weekly basis. The Remicade IV was not covered under my insurance, so I am giving this a try. So far I think is helping alot! I have less BM's and have less stomach cramping. I am still keeping to my strict diet, but am feeling better already and it has only been a little over a month. At first I was afraid to give myself shots as well, but it is a pen and it is super easy to do. It does sting a little, but if you ice the area first it is not too bad.

I am not sure how your insurance works, but mine was able to hook me up with a specialty paharmacy, a nurse came to the house to show me how to give myself shots and sign off a few discalimers. Also, they ship me the medicine once a month and it only costs a copay between $2-5 each time...much cheaper on the budget! I get it so cheap because of my insurance and a discount card they signed me up for.

I am also on Pentasa still but I hope to be off of that soon. I really hope this information is helpful to you. I just kept on trying different things until I find something that works for me. Good luck and keep on trucking.

FPO misslesliejean
Joined Jun 3, 2010

Related Topics

IBD and trauma
Author Image Janeliza
Joined Apr 13, 2022

Hi all! I've had Crohn's since 2014 with m....

read more

Life Insurance?
Author Image Aperson1
Joined Dec 2, 2022

40 y.o. male looking to get life insurance.  ....

read more

IBD and exercise/sport
Author Image JS25
Joined Aug 14, 2023

This is my first post. I am 28 and I was diagnosed....

read more