Infliximab (including biosimilars of infliximab)

Brand Names
Remicade
Inflectra
Renflexis
Other Names
Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (α)
Anti-TNF-alpha(α)
Immunosuppressants
Monoclonal Antibodies

How does this medicine work?
Infliximab decreases inflammation and tissue damage by neutralizing the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The drug may help control your symptoms, but they will not cure your condition.
What is this drug used for?
  • It is used with methotrexate to prevent more problems in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
  • It is used to treat Crohn's disease.
  • It is used to treat psoriatic arthritis.
  • It is used to treat plaque psoriasis.
  • It is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
  • It is used to treat ulcerative colitis.
  • It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Do I need a prescription for infliximab?
Yes.

How is this drug best taken?
Infliximab is given into the vein (IV) over a period of time. A nurse will gradually increase the rate of the infusion, and monitor your child closely. The infusion will take about 2-4 hours. It is usually given in a doctor’s office once every 2 to 8 weeks. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.

Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins. Talk to your doctor before letting your child get any live vaccines or flu shots.

Your child will need to be tested for tuberculosis before one or more infusions.

What are the side effects?
Infliximab may decrease your ability to fight infection and increase the risk that you will get a serious infection. Other side effects include:
  • fever, chills during infusion
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • pain in stomach, muscles or joints
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • redness or pain at IV site
  • swelling of feet
  • trouble breathing during or after infusion
  • high or low blood pressure
  • increased heart rate
  • dizziness
  • weight loss
  • serious infections
  • cancer of the skin and lymph system

What do I do if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor to find out what to do next.

When should I call the clinic?
  • chest pain
  • irregular heartbeat
  • swelling in face, lips, or throat
  • trouble swallowing
  • signs of infection:
    -This includes minor infections
    - cough, cold, sore throat
    - fever or chills
  • signs of allergic reaction:
    - flushing
    - dizziness
    - fainting
    - rash or hives
    - wheezing
    - trouble breathing - call 911

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Infliximab (or biosimilars of infliximab). Ask your doctor if you have questions.