Key facts about Infliximab
What dosages is Infliximab available in?
Infliximab is available as an injection for IV use that contains 100 mg of Infliximab.
What is Infliximab used for?
Infliximab is a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to treat:
- Moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD)
- Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
- Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)
How does Infliximab work?
Infliximab is a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). By blocking TNF, Infliximab lowers inflammation in your body to treat symptoms caused by many autoimmune conditions.
How do I take Infliximab?
- Infliximab is only given through an IV infusion by a healthcare provider. The typical dose is 300 mg IV infused over 1 hour every month
Is it safe for me to take Infliximab?
Infliximab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Infliximab doses >5 mg/kg in moderate or severe heart failure
- Previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to Infliximab or any inactive ingredients of Infliximab or to any murine proteins
Infliximab Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Infliximab:
- Infections
- Nausea
- Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, flushing, shortness of breath, rash)
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Rash
- Bronchitis
- Indigestion
- Tiredness
- General pain
- Joint pain
Infliximab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Infliximab. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe or deadly infections: fever, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, cough, stomach pain, sweating, chills, burning when you urinate, urinating more frequently
- Cancer: loss of appetite, fatigue, lumps on skin, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin, fatigue, weight loss, nosebleeds, vaginal discharge, pelvic or back pain
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, irregular heartbeat, unable to exercise, tiredness, weakness
- Stroke: facial drooping on one side, slurred speech, weakness, dizziness, headache, confusion, vision loss
- Heart problems: high blood pressure, fast and irregular heart beat, chest pain, heart attacks
- Liver problems or liver failure: swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, confusion
- Low blood cell counts: fever, pale skin, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, blood in your urine or stool
Drug-induced lupus: chest discomfort or pain, short of breath, joint or muscle pain, rash on cheecks or arms
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Infliximab
The following medications may interact with Infliximab:
- Other Biological Products– increased risk of serious infections.
Who makes Infliximab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Infliximab safe in pregnancy?
Infliximab may cross the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the exposed infant. If you become pregnant while receiving Infliximab, talk to your healthcare provider.
