27 Feb Everything you neeed to know about Remicade for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Everything you need to know about Remicade for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Remicade is FDA approved the treat rheumatoid arthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the United States. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes the lining of your joints (most commonly the wrists, hands, and knees) to become inflamed resulting in damage to joint tissue. Untreated, RA can lead to joint deformity, bone erosion, and severe mobility loss in affected joints.  Symptoms of RA include: 

  • Pain or swelling of in one or more joints 
  • Tenderness or stiffness in one or more joints 
  • Similar symptoms on both sides of your body (both knees)  
  • Fever 
  • Weakness 
  • Fatigue 

RA affects 1.5 million Americans, with women being three times more likely to develop this disease. Although RA can cause intense pain, it is not life-threatening. Medications can help control RA symptoms, and appropriate interventions can prevent severe symptoms and disability.

Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is the leading cause of work disability in adults in the United States. It is estimated that 32% to 50% of arthritis patients will experience work disability 10 years after receiving an RA diagnosis.  

This is because RA results in deformities and a loss of functions in the joints if left untreated. Complications from RA can not only cause pain, but a loss of mobility that can affect a variety of daily tasks. 

Daily tasks that may be impaired by severe rheumatoid arthritis include: 
 
  • Walking 
  • Writing 
  • Sewing or knitting 
  • Typing 
  • Sleeping 
  • Personal hygiene routines 
  • Exercise 
  • Cooking 
  • Laundry 
  • Gardening 
  • Cleaning 

These tasks become more difficult because RA will affect your ability grasp small objects, bend, stoop, or kneel, walk up a flight of stairs, reach above your head, and sit or stand for a long time.  Luckily, when RA is caught early, there are medications that can soothe the symptoms of RA and prevent the progression of the disease.  

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

Your doctor will first recommend lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms. Some of these lifestyle changes include frequent exercise, the cessation of smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.  

RA is also managed with pain medications including NSAIDs like ibuprofen, Aleve, etc. or by using Medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are typically used to slow the progression of RA and prevent permanent damage to your joints and bones.  

If conventional DMARDs have not eased your symptoms, your medical provider may recommend a biologic infusion such as Remicade. 

Remicade is administered intravenously and has an initial starting dose that is given at first, second, and sixth week. After your initial regimen, your provider will prescribe Remicade to be administered every 8 weeks. The process of receiving Remicade takes approximately two hours. 

What Are the Benefits of Remicade?

In clinical trials, Remicade relieved joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in as little as two weeks. It also improved the patient’s ability to engage in daily activities while preventing further joint damage. 

What Are the Side Effects of Remicade?

Side effects of Remicade include:  

  • Increased chance of respiratory infection 
  • Changes in blood pressure 
  • Headache 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Rash 
  • Nausea 
  • Flushing 

Remicade, like most biologic infusions, can increase your risk of infection, including an increased risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB). It is important to discuss your history and susceptibility to infections with your doctor to prevent a chance of developing a more serious illness before you start taking Remicade. 

Where Can I get my Infusion?

Remicade infusions are traditionally done in a hospital setting. However, studies have shown that receiving treatment at a stand-alone or ambulatory infusion center (AIC) reduces the cost of infusions up to 53%, while offering a more personalized and private experience.  

Here at Pure Infusion Suites, we put our patients first. We offer flexible scheduling, co-pay assistance, and other financial aid programs. And to ensure your comfort, our private suites are equipped with recliners, flatscreen TVs, snacks, and drinks for you and your loved ones to enjoy while you are being treated.  

Pure Infusion Suites currently has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Our founders created Pure Infusion Suites to make the infusion process comfortable, streamlined, and affordable.  

Our expertly trained staff will be with you throughout the infusion process to ensure easy referrals and insurance authorizations and reduce the cost of your infusion where we can. At Pure Infusion Suites, you will skip the long lines at the hospital and be provided with your suite, where you can enjoy your favorite shows, snacks, and food during your infusion appointment. If you have been prescribed Ocrevus and are looking for a patient-focused infusion experience, call us at 855.550.3358 

 

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