Remicade

infliximab

Remicade is used for reducing signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis when used along with another medicine (methotrexate). It is also used to reduce symptoms of moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and certain types of skin psoriasis. Remicade is used to reduce symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis in patients who have not received relief from other treatments. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is Remicade?

Remicade is a monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This may reduce the inflammation and immune responses caused by TNF.

Before taking Remicade

Some medical conditions may interact with Remicade. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have any type of infection, including bacterial or viral infection, skin infection, fungal infection (eg, coccidiomycosis, histoplasmosis), or TB infection, or have a history of chronic or recurrent infections, a positive TB test, or if you have recently been around someone who might have TB
• if you were born in an area where TB is common or if you have visited or lived in an area where TB, histoplasmosis, or coccidiomycosis infections are common
• if you have a history of hepatitis B or other liver problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), nervous system problems (eg, CNS demyelinating disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, seizures), blood disorders, bone marrow problems, lymphoma, or cancer
• if you have had phototherapy to treat psoriasis or other skin conditions
• if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine
• if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a history of smoking

How should I take Remicade?

Infliximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. This medicine is usually given at intervals of 2 to 8 weeks.

Infliximab must be injected slowly, over about 2 hours. Your doctor may wish to observe you after the injection to make sure the medicine has not caused any serious side effects.

You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to mix the medicine, give the injection, and properly dispose of needles and other items used in giving the medicine.

Remicade side effects

Nausea or pain at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), chills, severe headache, chest pain, cough, extreme fatigue, stomach pain, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth (fungal infection). Unlikely but report promptly: diarrhea, joint/muscle pain, mental/mood changes, vision changes, unexplained muscle weakness, numbness/tingling, changes in skin appearance, painful urination, increased urgency/frequency of urination, unusual bruising or bleeding, sudden weight gain. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Infliximab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Drug interactions

There may be an interaction between infliximab and any of the following:

• abatacept
• anakinra
• echinacea
• live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, BCG, cholera, typhoid, varicella)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

Preganacy

It is not known if Remicade can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Remicade while you are pregnant. It is not known if Remicade is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Remicade.

Overdose

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

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Remicade. If you have any other questions about Remicade, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.