In the past few years, thanks to breakthroughs in genetic engineering and a better understanding of chemical mediators involved in the inflammation process of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylosis, two key chemical mediators that initiate and provoke inflammation and cause joint pain have been discovered: tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Preventing and reducing joint pain and damage relies on being able to block these key chemical mediators with the use of a state of the art medical weapon called biologic response modifiers (BRMs).

REMICADE, specifically designed to target TNF-alpha, permanently neutralizes TNF-alpha so that it cannot continue to create inflammation. Recent medical studies have shown that REMICADE, when used in conjunction with Methotrexate, not only effectively inhibits the progression of joint damage and relieves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but can also improve physical function. REMICADE often works rapidly and many patients begin to feel better in as soon as two to three weeks following treatment.

If you are taking Methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and still have symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness, inflammation or fatigue, Remicade may be a good option.

We have experienced the following coverage thus far:

-Medicare: 80% covered.

-Private insurances: usually 75% to 90% covered with pre-authorization.

-Managed Care Plans (HMO’s) occasionally 70% to 80% covered with authorization.

REMICADE is a medicine that is given via intravenous (IV) infusion in our Ormond Beach office. The infusion process is simple and takes about two hours. After your initial three doses, the dosing regimen changes to once every eight weeks (only six times a year).

The three steps of the infusion process:

1. When you are ready for your infusion, our nurse will weigh you to calculate the dose of REMICADE that’s right for you, check your blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature.

2. When you are sitting comfortably, she will prepare your arm for the insertion of a narrow intravenous needle in your arm, a slight pinching may be felt, but only for a second.

3. During your infusion, the nurse will check on you regularly, while you relax or read a book.

4. Most infusion reactions such as headache, chills or chest tightness are mild, manageable and generally are resolved quickly and usually treated with Tylenol or Benadryl.

If you think that REMICADE sounds right for you and that you have not found relief by other means of treatment, call us to set up an appointment to be evaluated.