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Remicade and Methdextrate


Mon, August 19, 2019 4:30 PM

Hi all,  I've had UC for almost 15 years and have started Remicade infusions this year.  I've had 4 Remicade infusions of 5 mg and after the 4th infusion was feeling relatively good.  However, my blood work showed remicade level of 2.3 MCG/ML and anti-bodies of 10 (H) AU.  Clearly the Remicade levels were low (this is after 8 weeks of receiving the infusion) and the anti-bodies are at border line.  

My GI has put me on Methodextrade 12.5 MG a week.  I'm not happy with this choice of drug as there are severe restrictions on drinking alcohol with Methodextrade.  Seems like I may have to give up red wine after I have already given up coffee (2 things that i enjoy).

Concern I have is that perhaps the Anti Body test results were not correct and instead of waiting to see he has upped my Remicade dosage to 10 MG and introduced an immunosuppresant.  Have others had to take Methodextrade with their Remicade?  This seems pretty common to prevent Anti-bodies.

Saket

FPO skapoor2
Joined Nov 29, 2018

Thu, August 29, 2019 3:44 AM

Reply posted for skapoor2.

hey

Did you ask your doctor about 6mp insead of using methotrexate?  Because I think this does the same job.  You probably have to go on something to stop the anti-bodies alright.  I did brilliant on remicade but was not on immunosuppressant with it and then developed an analphalatic shock on the 9th infusion so that is probably what would happen for you eventually and then you would not be able to take remicade at all which is where I am at now. My doctor also wants to put me on methotrexate and I am not sure about it - it seems pretty severe but I  am having joint problems with my crohn's and I don't think I have any options left.  But I would say ask about 6mp as it should do the same job

FPO karj
Joined Aug 27, 2019

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