The manufacturer recommends staying on a maintenance dose of Remicade even when you are in remission to prevent symptoms from coming back. The maintenance dose and frequency will vary depending upon your condition.
Ask your doctor if she expects that this would occur to you if you tried to go back onto Remicade after stopping. Your doctor may be able to tell you how often this occurs to patients that restart Remicade and how severely reduced the effectiveness of the medication is.
What signs should you look for to make sure that your condition is not coming back? How will the doctor monitor your health after you stop Remicade? Are there other medications or lifestyle changes you can make to keep your condition in remission? If your condition becomes active, are there medications you can use to treat it without Remicade? Does your doctor recommend decreasing the Remicade gradually and then starting another medication?
Ask your doctor for recommendations on how to taper off. Your doctor may suggest spacing out your doses further and further until you no longer need it. Or alternatively, your doctor might recommend gradually lowering the doses. What your doctor feels will be right for you will depend upon your particular situation. You should work with a doctor to determine how to stop Remicade.
Stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea Fever, flushing, or chills Coughing, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat Fainting, dizziness, tiredness Difficulty breathing Chest pain Headache or muscle pain Hives or an itchy rash
It is unknown whether this medication is safe for women to take while breastfeeding. There have not been enough studies done to demonstrate that it is safe. Talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should give your infant formula while on this medication. Some health providers list pregnancy and breastfeeding as a criteria that disqualifies patients as being eligible for Remicade.
A current systemic infection Sepsis An abscess Heart failure Latent or active tuberculosis Cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
