What Is Remicade Used For?

Remicade contains infliximab, a specialized protein that helps reduce inflammation in various autoimmune conditions by blocking a substance called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα).

Primary Uses

Remicade is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation), ankylosing spondylitis (spine inflammation), psoriatic arthritis (joint inflammation with psoriasis), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (skin inflammation), active moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (bowel inflammation), and moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (bowel inflammation). It helps reduce symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life.

How It Works

Remicade is a monoclonal antibody made from human and mouse proteins. It works by binding to and blocking TNFα, a protein that causes inflammation in autoimmune diseases. While this reduces harmful inflammation, it also reduces your immune system’s ability to fight infections.

How to Take Remicade

Remicade is given only by healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion (drip into a vein) in a medical facility, followed by an observation period.

Dosage Instructions

Rheumatoid arthritis: 3 mg/kg initially, then at 2 and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks (may increase to 7.5 mg/kg if needed). Ankylosing spondylitis: 5 mg/kg initially, then at 2 and 6 weeks, then every 6 weeks. Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis: 5 mg/kg initially, then at 2 and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: 5 mg/kg initially, then at 2 and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks (may increase to 10 mg/kg for Crohn’s). Children and adolescents (6-17 years): infusions given over at least 2 hours. Adults may have shorter 1-hour infusions after tolerating the first three 2-hour treatments.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Since Remicade is given under medical supervision, missing a dose is unlikely. If you miss an appointment, reschedule as soon as possible. Your doctor will determine when and how much your next dose should be.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Rash, hives, itching
• Sore throat, cough
• Respiratory infections (bronchitis, sinus infections, cold)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, back pain, muscle pain
• Abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea
• Flushing, dry skin, increased sweating
• Infusion reactions (fever, chills, chest pain, blood pressure changes)

Important Warnings

Remicade affects your immune system and can increase your risk of serious infections and certain cancers. Several important precautions must be considered.

Who Should Not Take Remicade

Do not use Remicade if you are allergic to infliximab, mouse proteins, or any ingredients; have an active infection being treated; are taking anakinra (another arthritis medicine); or have congestive heart failure.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: recurring infections or infections that won’t heal; history of tuberculosis or recent TB exposure; hepatitis B history or exposure; lived in areas with fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis); cancer history; moderate to severe COPD; long-standing autoimmune disease; nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis; congestive heart failure; blood disorders; recent or planned vaccinations; planned surgery; or are receiving cancer treatments with infectious agents.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Remicade is not recommended during pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last infusion. Remicade passes into breast milk – discuss feeding options with your doctor. If you breastfeed while using Remicade, tell your baby’s doctor before any vaccines are given, as live vaccines should not be given to your baby.

Drug Interactions

Several medications can interact with Remicade or cannot be used together. Always inform healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

• Anakinra (cannot be used together)
• Abatacept (tell your doctor if taking)
• Live vaccines (should not be received during treatment)
• Other arthritis treatments
• Phototherapy for psoriasis
• Organ transplant rejection medications
• Therapeutic infectious agents for cancer treatment

Alcohol & Driving

Remicade is unlikely to affect your ability to drive, but you should be cautious if you experience fatigue or other side effects.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol restrictions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor as it may affect your immune system.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Remicade is unlikely to make you drowsy, but if you feel tired, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Storage

Remicade is stored and prepared by healthcare professionals in medical facilities. You do not need to store this medication at home.

Overdose Information

Since Remicade is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26, New Zealand: 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if no symptoms are present.

Frequently Asked Questions