INFLIXIMAB

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remicade

GENERIC NAME(S): INFLIXIMAB

Description: Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody to tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) that forms stable complexes with TNFα, making TNFα inactive.

Uses

This medication is used to treat conditions wherein the body’s defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissues such as certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis). It helps to decrease swelling (inflammation) and weaken your immune system, thereby slowing or stopping the damage from the disease.

How to use infliximab intravenous

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using infliximab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein over at least 2 hours as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. After the first dose, this medication is usually given again after 2 weeks and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks thereafter (every 6 weeks for arthritis of the spine) or as directed by your doctor.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Your doctor may direct you to use other medications (to help prevent side effects) before using infliximab. Use those medications exactly as directed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Warnings

This medication can decrease your body’s ability to fight an infection. This effect can lead to very serious (possibly fatal) infections (e.g., fungal infections, bacterial infections including tuberculosis).

Though it is very unlikely to happen, there is a risk (especially in children/teens/young adults) of developing cancer (such as lymphoma, skin) due to this medication or due to your medical condition.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if Headache, stomach pain, or nausea persist or worsen.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

pain/swelling at injection site
joint/muscle pain
swelling ankles/feet
easy bruising/bleeding
vision changes
seizures
confusion
muscle weakness
numbness/tingling of arms/legs
butterfly-shaped facial rash
chest pain
pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs
shortness of breath
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as:

Fever
Chills
night sweats
persistent cough
persistent sore throat
trouble breathing
painful/frequent urination
unusual vaginal discharge
white patches in the mouth (oral thrush)

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy to this medication
Patients with medical history of:
- previous severe allergic reaction to this medication
- tuberculosis (previous infection or positive skin test)
- past/recent/current infections (e.g., cold sores, Valley Fever)
- heart disease (e.g., heart failure)
- blood/bone marrow disorder (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- nervous system disorder (e.g., numbness/tingling, seizures, multiple sclerosis)
- history of cancer (e.g., breast cancer, skin cancer, lymphoma)
- certain lung disorder (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
- liver disease (e.g., hepatitis B)
- light treatment for psoriasis (phototherapy)
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery
Infliximab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor
Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose)
It is recommended that children get all their vaccinations before starting this medication
Older adults may have more risk for infections
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Other drugs that weaken the immune system/ increase the risk of infection (such as abatacept, anakinra, tofacitinib) and treatment with weakened bacteria/viruses (such as live vaccines, BCG for bladder cancer)

may interact with this drug include.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver function test, skin exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

Available Brands:

Remicade [ Johnson & Johnson ]

Also marketed as

Remsima [ Celltrion Healthcare ]