Infliximab



Remicade®







Infliximab

(in FLIKS e mab)

U.S. Brand Names
Remicade®
Canadian Brand Names
Remicade®
Pharmacologic Category
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Gastrointestinal Agent, Miscellaneous; Monoclonal Antibody; Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blocking Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Tuberculosis has been activated in patients started on infliximab. These patients were exposed to tuberculosis sometime in the past, but never actually developed the infection. You should be tested to see if you have been exposed to tuberculosis before starting infliximab.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to infliximab or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you are allergic to mouse proteins, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a severely weakened heart.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to decrease drainage from holes in the gastrointestinal tract called fistulas. Initial response may be seen in 2 weeks.
  • This medicine is used with methotrexate to prevent further damage in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
  • This medicine is used to treat Crohn's disease. It may take 1 month to see the full effect.
How does it work?
  • Infliximab is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.
  • It reduces gastrointestinal inflammation and helps reduce symptoms.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a 2-hour period.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Hepatitis B testing may be suggested. Unrecognized hepatitis B infection may worsen during treatment.
  • Long-term use may increase your risk of cancer.
  • Serious infections have been reported with use of this medicine. If you have any infection, are taking antibiotics now or in the recent past, or have many infections, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have multiple sclerosis or other nerve disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Fever, chills, itching, hives, chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath during infusion.
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Cough.
  • Liver damage can rarely occur.
  • In fistula patients, an abscess can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • You will need a tuberculosis test before starting this medicine.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Signs of arthritis, fever, weight loss, chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath if taking this medicine for Crohn's disease.
  • Swelling of legs or belly.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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