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.

Resistance to Remicade


Sat, December 23, 2017 11:52 AM

After a very nasty flare-up, my wife was put on Infliximab (Remicade). When she first used it (at 2 weeks, than at 4 then at 8), she felt well. Then things stopped being so great. She is taking it at 4 weeks now  but still not feeling well. The blood tests showed that she has developed some antibodies and that the concentration of infliximab in her system is rather small.
What is usually done in these situation? Increase the dosage of Methotrexate (now at 5x2.5/week) or the frequency of infliximab?

FPO Galen
Joined Jul 13, 2017

Tue, February 13, 2018 7:43 PM

Reply posted for Galen.

Instead of an alternate medication, I was told it would be an increase in dosage of Remicade if the tests were showing antibodies.  If that still wasn't working, then yes it would be a switch to entivyo in my case.

In addition I have to mention today it seems like there's an additional issue with Remicade and the antibodies - the insurance companies are denying the antibody tests left and right.  Aetna in my case has a medical bulletin saying the tests are of no clinical value in ALL CASES.  So they deny it 100% of the time and make you go through multiple level appeals.  I'm still fighting that case.

FPO gcrawford
Joined Mar 14, 2017

Sat, February 10, 2018 4:08 PM

Reply posted for akr008.

Thank you for your suggestions!

FPO Galen
Joined Jul 13, 2017

Sat, February 10, 2018 4:07 PM

Reply posted for Lynn.

Thank you, Lynn, for your advice and your encouragement. smiley
I have forwarded my wife your advice.
Good luck to you!

FPO Galen
Joined Jul 13, 2017

Fri, February 09, 2018 6:35 PM

Reply posted for Galen.

Hi. I have been on remicade for one year. Dosage now at highest milligrams and every 6 weeks x 3 doses.  Sigmoid yesterday showed UC had progressed from moderate to severe.  Doc is changing me to entyvio.  Have taken Lilada at highest dose x2 yrs.  Doc is stopping that and we are going to Balsalsazide. Am hopeful that this change will be  the magic for  me. Have not been in remission since diagnosed in 2015.  I just turned 59 and before this UC had no health problems at all.   Doc did mention going every 4 was on the remicade to me but I think the sigmoid proved that it is not the answer for me. I do wish your wife all the best. Tell her it is hard to keep a good women down!

FPO Lynn
Joined Feb 9, 2018

Fri, February 09, 2018 6:33 PM

Reply posted for Galen.

Hi. I have been on remicade for one year. Dosage now at highest milligrams and every 6 weeks x 3 doses.  Sigmoid yesterday showed UC had progressed from moderate to severe.  Doc is changing me to entyvio.  Have taken Lilada at highest dose x2 yrs.  Doc is stopping that and we are going to Balsalsazide. Am hopeful that this change will be  the magic for  me. Have not been in remission since diagnosed in 2015.  I just turned 59 and before this UC had no health problems at all.   Doc did mention going every 4 was on the remicade to me but I think the sigmoid proved that it is not the answer for me. I do wish your wife all the best. Tell her it is hard to keep a good women down!

FPO Lynn
Joined Feb 9, 2018

Thu, January 25, 2018 10:36 AM

Reply posted for Galen.

With the development of antibodies usually a physician will suggest trying an alternative medication such as humira, cimzia or entyvio. 

FPO akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

Related Topics

Starting Remicade Infusio...
Author Image shannonmiller
Joined Feb 20, 2023

I have Ulcerative colitis, am experiencing a bad f....

read more

Biologic- How to get it c...
Author Image orthopt2003
Joined Oct 8, 2021

Hello. My daughter 10 years old after almost 18 mo....

read more

Starting ENTYVIO Infusion...
Author Image jabberwocky
Joined Jul 28, 2023

Hello. I’m new to the C&C community and ....

read more