Key facts about Inflixmab
What dosages is Inflixmab available in?
Inflixmab is available as 100 mg of infliximab-axxq as a lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial.
What is Inflixmab used for?
Inflixmab is a biologic 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 Inflixmab work?
Inflixmab is a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). By blocking TNF, it lowers inflammation in your body to treat symptoms caused by many autoimmune conditions.
How do I take Inflixmab?
The maintenance dose of Inflixmab is based on your weight and given via an IV infusion over 2 hours every 6 to 8 weeks.
Is it safe for me to take Inflixmab?
Inflixmab 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:
- Inflixmab doses >5 mg/kg in moderate or severe heart failure
- Previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to infliximab products or any inactive ingredients of Inflixmab or to any murine proteins
Inflixmab Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Inflixmab:
- 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
Inflixmab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Inflixmab. 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 Inflixmab
The following medications may interact with Inflixmab:
- Other Biological Products – increased risk of serious infections
Who makes Inflixmab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Inflixmab safe in pregnancy?
You and your doctor should decide if you should receive Inflixmab while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you received Inflixmab while you were pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting an infection. If your baby receives a live vaccine within 6 months after birth, your baby may develop infections with serious complications that can lead to death. This includes live vaccines such as the BCG, rotavirus, or any other live vaccines. For other types of vaccines, talk with your doctor.
