A REMICADE infusion often treats conditions like Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative arthritis. After starter doses at weeks 0, 2, and 6, patients are typically given maintenance infusions every 8 weeks. In general, an infusion will take about two hours to complete.
What is REMICADE?
REMICADE is a leading treatment for patients with autoimmune conditions including Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative arthritis. It is often an option used for people who have not responded well to previous therapies. It is idea for joint therapies and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases that causethe immune system to beoveractive. These conditions often lead to an excess of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which causes the immune system to turn against cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
For rheumatoid arthritis, excessive TNF-alpha stimulates your body to attack your joints. The damaged portion of your body changes based on your disease. In all of these instances, TNF-alpha causes your immune system to attack healthy cells.
A REMICADE infusion helps by blocking TNF-alpha. Over time, this biologic drug can prevent inflammation and help alleviate your symptoms.
These effects are strongly backed up by clinical studies. Researchers have found taking REMICADE and methotrexate can alleviate joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in just two weeks for people who have rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to preventing future joint damage, it helped to improve their ability to perform day-to-day activities.
A REMICADE infusion prevents the spread of TNF-alpha,reducing the amount of inflammation it causes.
REMICADE for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s REMICADE patients will generally start with 5 mg/kg at zero, two, and six weeks. After eight weeks of treatment, in some cases, dosages will need to be increased. Infusion for Health will work with you and your doctor to assess treatment efficacy to make dosage adjustments as needed.
Pediatric patients may be given a dose at zero, two, and six weeks. Afterward, they will continue to receive maintenance doses every eight weeks. These doses may also be increased in some cases depending on the efficacy of each treatment.
REMICADE for Ulcerative Colitis
With the REMICADE ulcerative colitis patients get, 5 mg/kg doses are initially given at zero, two, and six weeks. Afterward, maintenance doses are given every eight weeks. Pediatric ulcerative colitis patients follow the same dosage and frequency.
REMICADE for Psoriatic Arthritis
When you take REMICADE for psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, you will get the same dosing schedule. You will receive a 5 mg/kg infusion at zero, two, and six weeks. Afterward, you will receive follow-up infusions every eight weeks.
REMICADE for Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you need REMICADE for rheumatoid arthritis relief, you will get a dose of just 3 mg/kg at zero, two, and six weeks. Your follow-up doses will happen every eight weeks. Depending on your personal health, you may receive maintenance doses every four weeks or doses up to 10 mg/kg.
During a REMICADE infusion, a member of the Infusion for Health staff will sterilize a spot on your arm with rubbing alcohol. Afterward, they will insert an intravenous (IV) needle into your arm. They will routinely check your vital signs every 30 minutes.
If you experience any side effects from the infusion, your IFH nurse will provide ways to help you be more comfortable. The entire infusion process takes about two hours to complete.
How Much Does REMICADE Cost?
The cost of a REMICADE infusion depends on where you get your infusion and the clinic’s fees. It is also based on your insurance coverage and the size of your dose. While most people take a 5 mg/kg dose, some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may be given a 10 mg/kg dose instead.
A single dose of REMICADE can cost between $1,300 to $2,500. This doesn’t include all of the fees associated with taking REMICADE. The federal government estimates the average patient will pay around $31,602 to $46,415 per year to get REMICADE infusions.
Infusion for Health will always work with you, your medical provider, and your insurance company to navigate the best coverage options. We’ll ensure you get the top service available at a clearly-defined rate.
Learn More About Getting a REMICADE Infusion
At Infusion for Health, patient advocates will help you work with insurers to reduce the cost of your treatment. You can learn more about a REMICADE infusion by contacting us directly or asking your doctor to make a referral for treatment at IFH.
We’re here to help you get the treatment and care you need at a price point that works for you. If you want more information about how REMICADE infusions work or other aspects of these treatments, please reach out to Infusion for Health today.
