What is Remicade?

Common Brand(s): Avsola, Inflectra, Remicade, Renflexis

This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis). In these conditions, the body's defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissues. Infliximab works by blocking the actions of a certain natural substance (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in the body. This helps to decrease swelling (inflammation) and weaken your immune system, which slows or stops the damage from the disease.

This monograph is about the following infliximab products: infliximab, infliximab-abda, infliximab-axxq, and infliximab-dyyb.

Uses

sarcoidosis
Crohn's disease
ulcerative colitis
psoriatic arthritis
rheumatoid arthritis
ankylosing spondylitis
moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Usage Instructions

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using infliximab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein over at least 2 hours as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. After the first dose, this medication is usually given again after 2 weeks and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks (or every 6 weeks for arthritis of the spine), as directed by your doctor.

Symptoms of an infusion reaction that may occur during infliximab treatment include pain/swelling at the injection site, shortness of breath, flushing, chills, fever, headache, and rash. If you have any of these symptoms, your healthcare professional may need to adjust/stop your infusion and treat your symptoms.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Your doctor may direct you to use other medications (to help prevent side effects) before using infliximab. Use those medications exactly as directed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.