What Is Inflectra Used For?

Inflectra contains infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that helps reduce inflammation in various autoimmune conditions. It’s an approved biosimilar medicine with proven safety and effectiveness.

Primary Uses

Inflectra treats rheumatoid arthritis (reduces joint inflammation and prevents damage), ankylosing spondylitis (reduces spine inflammation), psoriatic arthritis (reduces joint inflammation and improves function), moderate to severe psoriasis (for patients not responding to other treatments), moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (in adults and children 6-17 years), and ulcerative colitis (in adults and children 6-17 years). It can also help close abnormal openings from the bowel in Crohn’s disease.

How It Works

Inflectra works by binding to a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). In autoimmune diseases, your body produces too much TNFα, causing your immune system to attack healthy tissues. By blocking TNFα, Inflectra prevents this damage and reduces inflammation.

How to Take Inflectra

Inflectra is given as an intravenous infusion (drip into a vein) in a healthcare setting under medical supervision. The infusion takes at least 2 hours, 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 if needed). For children and adolescents (6-17 years), infusions are always given over at least 2 hours.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Since Inflectra is given under medical supervision, you’re unlikely to miss a dose. If you forget or miss your appointment, schedule another 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:

• Fever or chills during infusion
• Itchiness or hives
• Chest pain
• Blood pressure changes
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Flushing
• Dry skin or increased sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Weight changes
• Muscle pain
• Back pain

Cancer Risk

Inflectra may increase your risk of certain cancers including lymphoma, skin cancers, and in rare cases, a type called Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma in young patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Women may have increased cervical cancer risk and should continue regular screening. Patients with lung disease and smoking history may have increased cancer risk.

Important Warnings

Inflectra affects your immune system and can increase your risk of serious infections and certain cancers. Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout treatment.

Who Should Not Take Inflectra

Do not use Inflectra if you’re allergic to mouse proteins or any ingredients, have severe infections like tuberculosis or infected abscesses, have recurring infections, are taking anakinra (another arthritis medicine), or have congestive heart failure and have never received Inflectra before.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have current infections or infection history, tuberculosis exposure or history, hepatitis B exposure or history, lived in areas with fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis), cancer history, nervous system diseases (multiple sclerosis, seizures), congestive heart failure, blood disorders, planned surgeries, or need vaccinations. Also discuss if you have long-standing active disease as you may have higher infection and lymphoma risks.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Inflectra is not recommended during pregnancy as it crosses the placenta and can be detected in babies for up to 12 months after birth. Use effective contraception for at least 6 months after your last infusion. Inflectra passes into breast milk, so discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. If you have a baby while using Inflectra, wait 12 months before giving your baby live vaccines.

Drug Interactions

Several medications can interact with Inflectra or affect how well it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

• Anakinra (do not use together)
• Abatacept (tell your doctor if taking)
• Other arthritis treatments
• Phototherapy or other psoriasis treatments
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis treatments
• Organ transplant rejection prevention medicines
• Live vaccines (should not be given during treatment)
• Therapeutic infectious agents for cancer treatment

Alcohol & Driving

Inflectra is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be cautious if you feel tired or unwell.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor as it may affect your overall health and immune system.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Inflectra is unlikely to make you drowsy, but if you feel tired or unwell, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Storage

Inflectra is stored and prepared by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. You do not need to store this medication at home as it is only given in healthcare facilities.

Overdose Information

Since Inflectra is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you think you or someone else has received too much Inflectra, immediately tell your doctor, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions