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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Remicade
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Remicade
by Tinnie, Apr 10, 2002 12:00AM
A friend of mine who also has Crohn's is extremely adamant about not taking Remicade. She says it causes cancer. I have already had several treatments. I am very anxious and concerned about her allegation. She seems to have done a good deal of research. Is there any truth to what she is saying? Should I hault any more treatments?
Taken from the PDR (physician's desk reference):
Adverse reactions:
>10%: Central nervous system: Headache (22% to 23%), fatigue (8% to 11%), fever (8% to 10%) Dermatologic: Rash (6% to 12%) Gastrointestinal: Nausea (17%), diarrhea (3% to 13%), abdominal pain (10% to 12%) Local: Infusion reactions (19%) Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection (16% to 26%), cough (5% to 13%), sinusitis (5% to 13%), pharyngitis (9% to 11%) Miscellaneous: Development of antinuclear antibodies (34%); infections (32%); Crohn's patients with fistulizing disease: Development of new abscess (12%, 8-16 weeks after the last infusion)
2% to 10%: Cardiovascular: Chest pain (5% to 6%, similar to placebo) Central nervous system: Pain (8% to 9%), dizziness (8% to 10%, similar to placebo) Dermatologic: Pruritus (5% to 6%) Gastrointestinal: Vomiting (7% to 9%), dyspepsia (5% to 6%) Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection (3% to 8%, similar to placebo) Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (5% to 6%), back pain (5% to 6%) Respiratory: Bronchitis (6% to 7%), rhinitis (6% to 9%) Miscellaneous: Development of antibodies to double-stranded DNA (9%)
The risks of untreated or worsening Crohn's disease must be looked at. The risks (especially long term) of prednisone (steroids) is MUCH greater than the risk of a remicaide infussion. And I have seen this completely change people's life.
GI-PA