Infliximab (Remicade) Linked to Atherosclerosis

Christine Miller Living With It In Remission from JRA, Active April 2006 to February 2009 I was diagnosed as a toddler with JRA and since then have gone... Subscribe: Christine Miller

Monday, June 11, 2007
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Over the past few years, studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease because of inflammation throughout the body. This can be compounded by lack of physical activity, since exercise and physical activity ...

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mike
Monday, June 11, 2007 at 01:07 PM

Infliximab is Remicade not Humira. Which one are you talking about?

re: ?
Christine Miller
Monday, June 11, 2007 at 05:46 PM

Oops, you are completely right, I should have double checked. So sorry. Humira is the trademark name for adalimumab, a word I can never remember because it's so strange.

I did mean infliximab, a.k.a Remicade. Though the article did point out that it's possible that the other TNF inhibitors like Enbrel and Humira may also have have a similar effect because they work in much the same way. More studies will need to be conducted on the other drugs in the future.

Christine

Research
e.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Is the drug Humira or Remicade? Humira is adalimumab and Remicade is infliximab. Couldn't this affect all biologics across the board in this indication?

side effects?
jtl
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:02 PM

I had my first Remicade infusion last week and wondered about some of theside effects I'm feeling. Also the actul infusion was painful going in, what are common complaints?
re: side effects?
Christine Miller
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 11:16 PM
I looked up the manufacturer's product information on the Centocor, Inc. website. It also lists the common side effects.

It lists common side effects and rarer side effects to be aware of such as increased risk of serious infections like pneumonia, TB, delayed allergic reactions, lupus-like symptoms, liver damage, heart failure, blood problems and cancer, especially lymphoma.

The most common side effects of REMICADE are:
- Respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat)
- Headache
- Rash
- Coughing
- Stomach pain
I hope this is helpful.

Christine

Atherosclerosis?
AudreyBee
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 04:41 PM

Wow, Christine!
My rume ordered xrays of my lumbar after comlaining of constant pain there. In the report (which I have a copy of) it says 1)degenerative disc disease present at L1-2. 2)calcification is seen within the abdominal aorta. !!!!! This is scarey! I see my doctor next week and I plan to discuss that with him since I haven't seen him since the xrays and labs 2 weeks ago. I had the TB test to clear me for Remicade infusions to probably begin within a couple weeks. I think I'll put this off till after CHRISTmas, not knowing what side effects I may or may not have. Since I ALREADY have this atherosclerosis problem I'm really hesitant! I plan on having a long talk with my rume next week to clear some things up. I'll print your post with my xray report and expect some explaining from him. Thanks so much for this info! Keep up your excellent work with this site! We ALL appreciate you so much!

re: Atherosclerosis?
Christine Miller
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 04:51 PM

Well, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words.

Yes, take it to your doctor. He/She has probably seen the research study. He/She might also want to test your cholesterol and go over a family history to see if you have other risk factors for heart disease or athersclerosis. It doesn't mean you shouldn't take this medication, it's just more factors to consider.

Happy Holidays and Best wishes for a happy and HEALTHY New Year!

Christine