I have been taking Remicade infusions for 8 years. In the beginning I only had them as needed for my Crohn's disease, but since 2004 I have been going every eight weeks to keep my Crohn's under control. The Crohn's disease is very well managed with these treatments but I have been experiencing terrible headaches and neck pain since 2001. The past 7 months have been unbearable. I have seen every specialist in town, had numerous MRI's gone through acupuncture, massage therapy and several stints with Chiropractors over the years. Everyone I have seen finds nothing wrong, however I have never been in so much pain on a daily basis in all of my life. My gastro doesn't know of any instances where Remicade is responsible for causing chronic pain but after doing some searches on the internet it seems to be a popular question. I cannot take much more of this and do not know what to do next?
Q: Has Remicade been found to cause chronic pain in the neck, shoulders and cause headaches?
Yes, it seems that Remicade can cause pain as a side effect. Read more here: http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/prescriptiondrugs/p/medremicade.htm
If you are concerned, it would be best to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
I have Ulcerative Collitis and have completed 2 Remicaid infusions in my start-up and have head-aches from the beginning. They are almost unbarable at times. I had to have a CT scan and then a MRI where they have found benign incidental cysts... seeing a neurologist soon to see if they are the cause or if they are nothing.
I am almost CERTAIN the pressure and headaches all stem from the infusions. I have never had problems with headaches and these just started after I started the infusions. I see my Gastro Dr. in a few days to discuss more but like yours he doesn't seem to think they are from the Remecaid. I guess we are the low percentage of the side effects of the headaches.
I just wanted to let you know your not alone and good luck!
i am 16 years old with crohns disease. i am doing the exact treatment you are. every 8 weeks with remicade. i have been experiencing periodical pain in my neck & shoulder area. & motrin nor tylenol seems to dull it..
i'm positive it is a side effect from the remicade.. :// unfortunately i havent found anything to relieve it yett. :(
Van - I have been on Remicade for approximately 6 months for Chron's disease and going every 8 weeks as well. I too am having severe neck (and shoulder) pain after receiving the infusions. The pain subsides about 5-6 weeks after the infusion. Have you had any success with this issue, or have you switched to a different medicine that's been helpful?
wow I have Crohns also and severe neck pain. I did take Remicade about 3 times but was unable to continue with it it made very sick. I have been having neck problems for the last several years and now it is severe. I can barely move it feels like it will break any moment. I am taking therapy now the dr told me it was like needing a knee replacement only that isnt an option for necks the girl at therapy told me today that probably an infusion is what they will do next. They gave me antiinflamartory drugs that worked great till I read what the sides effects were and that was worse than what I have going on already I dont want something else too good luck let me know what yo find out
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