What Are The Side Effects Of Remicade?

Posted on Thu, 4 Jun 2015

Question: Hi, on my recent blood work my CRP was 12.1, NT- Pro-BNP was 820, granulomus with severe rare lymphocytes at the periphery. I have 25 or more tumors under the skin on my joints. Past medical hx, CHF, postpartum cardiomyopathy, a fib, severe joint pain, LEF 40 % by Mugah for the past 20 years, but, 25-28% by echo, and Echo done by going down my throat. I have been on oxygen @3 liters for the past 18 months and the sarcoid was found, finally, after my biopsy. Other symptoms include, nausea, extreme fatigue, SOB, extreme joint pain, low grade fevers, vision problems, blood sugars 130-220, and just feeling like crap. I don't go out anymore because of the fatigue and daily chores are challenging.
Now the rheumatologist wants to start me on Remicade, I have a medi-port, infusions right away. What are your thoughts, is it painful during infusion, is there hair loss, can it cause cancer...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No its safe.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that we have a good experience of using Remicade at our centre , it contains infliximab which is a TNF @ inhibitor and is quite a safe drug.

Generally there are no infusion reactions , its not painful drug at all and is well tolerated by majority . The only side effect that we have encountered with this drug is development of Tuberculosis although a lot of side effects have been mentioned . The potential for causing cancers is extremely less although sporadic cases are there but no major concern for that.

You can go ahead with this drug if your treating doctor feels so.

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta