Remicade Injection - (Infliximab)

• Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriasis, Ulcerative colitis.
• Remicade is also used in adults and children 6 years of age or older for: Crohn’s disease.

How does it work?

• Remicade works by blocking the action of a protein called TNFα.
• This protein is involved in inflammatory processes of the body and blocking it can reduce the inflammation in your body.

When and how do I take it?

Remicade will be given to you by your doctor or nurse, in a hospital or clinic:

• Your doctor or nurse will prepare the Remicade solution for injection
• The Remicade solution will be slowly injected (over a 2 hour period) into one of your veins. This will usually be in your arm. This is called an ‘intravenous infusion’ or drip
• You will be monitored while you are given Remicade and also for 1 to 2 hours after.

You will most likely receive injections two weeks, and six weeks after your first injection. After this you will receive them at 6-8 week intervals depending on your condition.

What’s the dose?

Rheumatoid arthritis

• The usual dose is 3 mg for every kg of body weight. After the third treatment, your doctor may decide to give you Remicade over a 1 hour period.

Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

• The usual dose is 5 mg for every kg of body weight.

Could it interact with other tablets?

Patients who have infl ammatory diseases already take medicines to treat their problem. These medicines may cause side effects. Your doctor will advise you what other medicines you must keep using while you are having Remicade. Tell your doctor if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, such as vitamins and herbal medicines.

In particular, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

• Medicines that aff ect your immune system
• Kineret (anakinra). Remicade and Kineret should not be used together
• Orencia (abatacept). Remicade and Orencia should not be used together.
• It is recommended that live vaccines not be given with Remicade.

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Remicade.

Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Common side effects include:

• viral infections
• headache
• vertigo
• dizziness
• flushing
• respiratory tract infection
• shortness of breath
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• heartburn
• diarrhoea
• dry itchy skin
• rash
• chest pain
• fatigue and fever

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

• There are no known interactions between alcohol and Infliximab.
• Always ask your doctor/pharmacist however as this may depend on what other tablets you are taking.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Remicade is not recommended during pregnancy.

Women of childbearing potential

• Women of childbearing potential must use adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least 6 months after the last Remicade treatment.

Lactation

• Women must not breast feed for at least 6 months after Remicade treatment.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children

Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.medicinenet.com/infliximab/article.htm

https://www.remicade.com/

http://www.drugs.com/remicade.html

http://www.rxlist.com/remicade-drug.htm