Remsima (Infliximab) Side Effects

[bienassis]

Four months ago I started on Remsima (Infliximab) in combination with Methotrexate. I noted the common side effects and just recently I am getting a few of them - and very unpleasant they are! Skin problems (eczema, peeling, blotching, itching), aches and pains in all joints and muscles and the inevitable fatigue. I've never had trouble with Methotrexate.

I'm persevering with the medication, but wonder if these side effects will ease off as I progress. I haven't had any real help from the rheumatologist nurse other than "see how you go".

I would be interested to read other RA sufferers experience of this drug.

[Gnarli]

I'd be contacting your rheumy team. Those side effects sound awful and four months is quite a long time to suffer them

[bienassis in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you Gnarli. I suspect what you say is right. I've been expecting a call from one of the rheumy team to give me news of a changeover from Infusions to subcut. injections in order to avoid hospital visits because of the covid virus. When the nurse calls I shall bring this up; the symptoms I've described have been there almost from the beginning - although not as obvious as now. So, I'll see what suggestions come up! Also, I do wonder why Remsima was chosen as my first biologic. There must be a record of how well patients tolerate these drugs, and what drugs are tolerated better than others. Perhaps age has to do with it. I shall be celebrating my 85th birthday next week!

Keep well.

[Gnarli in reply to bienassis]

Many happy returns for next week, bienassis. I hope you have an amazing day

[bienassis in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you for your Best Wishes. I was hoping my daughter would be able to be here - at least we could sit in the garden and catch up with news; but I've just heard she'll be in France and not back until the following day. That in itself is a worry! So, it looks as though just the cat and my husband will be raising a glass. Strange times we're going through; and according to the News it's not going to change much any time soon.

[Knit12]

I had the eczema with methotrexate tablets and injections. I tried all types of things must have spent a fortune as it did help my R.A. but I didn’t want to go out in public as I was such a mess. I took photos of my face and brought them to my Rheumatologist who immediately stopped them. I was on nothing apart from a steroid injection for 4 weeks to try and ease my skin. It has never properly gone back to the way it was. Definitely speak to your rheumatologist team and if you can’t see them send the photos

[bienassis in reply to Knit12]

Thank you so much, Knit 12 - I'm getting some good advice which I intend to follow. I've got a list of questions to ask the team!