Remicade (Infliximab)

Description

Remicade is a medication that your doctor may suggest if you have Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis, are aged 6 and older, and are not getting better after trying other medications. Remicade acts to block a specific protein in your body that can cause inflammation (irritation) in the intestines. It is also used to help a patient go into and stay in remission. Remicade also helps many patients to not have to use steroids anymore as a part of their treatment. Every patient is different, and your doctor will help you to decide if this medication is right for you.

What the Treatment Involves

Remicade is different than other medicines in that it is given to a patient via an IV and is not swallowed. An IV needle is placed in the patient's hand or arm and the medicine goes into the body via the tube attached to the needle. It takes about 2 hours for all of the medicine to get into the patient's bloodstream each time the drug is administered. This can be done in your doctor's office, and you will be able to relax, watch tv, or read during the treatment. Usually your doctor will have you complete 3 doses (2 hours each), then you will only need to receive treatment every 8 weeks (2 hours each).

Side Effects

You should discuss all possible side effects with your doctor. Since Remicade affects the immune system, serious side effects may occur:

• Serious infections (such as tuberculosis, blood infections, and pneumonia)
• Lymphoma, or any other cancers in children and adolescents. A rare form of fatal lymphoma has occurred mostly in teenage or young adult males with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who were taking remicade and azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine
• Heart failure
• Liver injury
• Blood problems
• Nervous System disorders
• Allergic Reactions
• Lupus-like symptoms

Some of the most common side effects are mild and manageable:

• respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat
• headache
• rash
• coughing
• stomach pain

Special Precautions/Instructions

You should NOT receive Remicade if you have:

• Heart failure
• Had an allergic reaction before to Remicade or any other ingredients in Remicade (sucrose, polysorbate 80, monobasic sodium phosphate, monohydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate, & dihydrate)

You should also tell your doctor about ALL medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and prescription and non-prescription medications.

Also, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medication
• A weakened immune system from diseased such as HIV/AIDS or from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, kidney disease, or steroid medicine
• Have a history of ANY infection even if very minor such as a small sore or cut
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lupus
• Lymphoma or other cancer
• Multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, or any condition that causes numbness or tingling
• Seizures
• Tuberculosis (TB), or have traveled to or lived in a country were there is more of a risk of getting TB
• Have lived in a part of the country where there is more risk for certain kinds of fungal infections
• Have or have had Hepatitis B
• Liver failure
• Have had phototherapy for psyoriasis
• Have COPD
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breast feeding or plan to breast feed

You should also get your doctor's approval first before getting any vaccinations.

DO NOT TAKE REMICADE AND THE MEDICATION KINERET (ANAKINRA) TOGETHER.

What to watch for while on Remicade

You should stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections while being treated with this mediation.

You should watch for the following signs of infection while on Remicade and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the below:

• fever, fatigue, cough, flu-like symptoms, and warm, red, or painful skin

Additional Information

For complete information, please visit: www.remicade.com

North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN): www.naspghan.org

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