What is infliximab?
Infliximab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.
Infliximab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's
disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Infliximab is also used to treat severe or disabling plaque psoriasis
(raised, silvery flaking of the skin).
Infliximab is often used when other medicines have not been effective.
Infliximab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking infliximab?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to infliximab, if you have severe heart
failure, or if you are also being treated with anakinra (Kineret).
Before using infliximab, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your
household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before using infliximab, tell your doctor if you have:
-
an active or recent infection;
-
open sores or skin wounds;
-
hepatitis B;
-
congestive heart failure;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
-
a history of cancer;
-
a disease that affects the nerves or muscles, such as
multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome;
-
if you have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille
Calmette-Guerin); or
-
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
FDA pregnancy category B. Infliximab is not expected to be harmful to
an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether infliximab passes into breast milk.
Do not
use
infliximab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Infliximab is not for use in children younger than 6 years old.
Treatment with infliximab may increase your risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast,
colon, skin cancer, or lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). This risk may be greater in children and
young adults. You may also develop an autoimmune disorder (such as a lupus-like syndrome). Talk
with your doctor about your specific risk.
How should I take infliximab?
Before you start treatment with infliximab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do
not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor
where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.
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.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using
infliximab.
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.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may develop liver symptoms while using remicade. Your
doctor may also want to check your liver function at regular visits while you are using remicade. Do not
miss any scheduled appointments.
If you store infliximab at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not use the medicine beyond
the expiration date.
What happens if I miss a dose of infliximab?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of infliximab.
Where can I get more information about infliximab?
Your pharmacist has information about infliximab written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of infliximab?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with infliximab.
Stop using infliximab and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:
-
fever, sweating, chills, tired feeling;
-
feeling short of breath;
-
cough, sore throat;
-
flu symptoms, weight loss.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side
effects:
-
chest pain, ongoing cough, coughing up blood;
-
shortness of breath with swelling of your ankles or feet;
-
numbness or tingling;
-
weak feeling in your arms or legs;
-
problems with vision;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
pain or burning when you urinate;
-
easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, unusual weakness;
-
red, purple, or scaly skin rash, hair loss, joint or muscle
pain, mouth sores; or
-
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
stuffy nose, sinus pain;
-
mild stomach pain;
-
mild skin rash; or
-
headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about infliximab?
Before you start treatment with infliximab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do
not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with infliximab. Contact
your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, cough, sweating, tired feeling, or if
you feel short of breath.
Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where
you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.
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.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with infliximab.
Using infliximab may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma
(cancer of the lymph nodes) or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). This risk may
be greater in children and young adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.
What should I avoid while taking infliximab?
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with infliximab.
What other drugs will affect infliximab?
There may be other drugs that can interact with infliximab. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of infliximab?
