Remicade (Infliximab)

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Infliximab (Remicade) is an antibody that reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation. Remicade is used to treat arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.

Remicade can lower blood cells that help your body fight infection. Avoid being near people with a cold, the flu, or other infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of having a bleeding injury.

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)

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

  • ALL medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and prescription and non-prescription medications.
  • 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 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

Get your doctor’s approval first before getting any vaccinations.

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

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

What the Treatment Involves

Remicade is given to a patient thru an IV needle placed in the patient’s hand or arm. Remicade must be injected slowly so it takes about 2 hours for the medicine to enter the patient’s bloodstream. This can be done in a doctor’s office or the hospital. Most places have a treatment room where the patient can relax and watch TV or read while they are getting their treatment.

Side Effects

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

Additional Information

To download a free Remicade app that includes an educational module to help educate patients about moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, how REMICADE works, and why REMICADE may be prescribed, visit:  appstore.com/ibdResource Center.

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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