Infliximab
About Infliximab
Infliximab belongs to the class of monoclonal TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors that help reduce signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It is primarily used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. This medicine is also used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.
Infliximab consists of Infliximab, which works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused by various autoimmune diseases.
Infliximab may cause certain side effects such as nausea, headache, back pain, upper respiratory tract infections, vision problems, dizziness, pale skin, numbness, chest pain, rash, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor on priority. Infliximab is a parenteral medicine. It will be administered by a trained healthcare doctor. Hence, do not self-administer.
Infliximab may not be suitable for all. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Tell your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, hepatitis B virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart, or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system before taking Infliximab, as it can worsen your condition. Infliximab may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Infliximab should not be given to children under two years of age as safety has not been established. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding beforehand.
Uses of Infliximab
Medicinal Benefits
Infliximab consists of Infliximab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors. Infliximab works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) caused by various autoimmune diseases.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Infliximab
- Headache
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Rash
- Itching
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Drug Warnings
Infliximab should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, hepatitis B virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart or kidney diseases, weak immune system, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), or diabetes while taking this medicine, as it can worsen these conditions. Lymphomas and other malignancies were reported in children and adolescents treated with Infliximab. Hence, it should be used with caution. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Infliximab to prevent any serious consequences. Infliximab is not recommended for use in children below six years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from sepsis as it can worsen the condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Infliximab may interact with other immunosuppressants (certolizumab, tocilizumab, rituximab), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (anakinra), live vaccines, and other TNF inhibitors (abatacept).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Infliximab should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Infliximab. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Infliximab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Infliximab passes into human milk. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Infliximab.
Driving
cautionInfliximab will be administered in the hospital setting. Hence, driving and operating machines is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Infliximab. Some patients using $namr have suffered significant liver issues in rare situations. Inform your doctor if you have jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes), dark brown urine discomfort (right-sided abdominal ache, extreme exhaustion (severe fatigue) as a result of a fever.
Kidney
cautionIf you have kidney impairment, tell your doctor before taking Infliximab.
Children
safe if prescribedInfliximab is not recommended in children below six years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. In children above six years of age, it will be administered by the pediatrician. Infliximab is used in children only for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain.
- Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment, though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
- It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Infliximab.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that causes joint pain and damage. It occurs when the immune system does not work properly. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain generally starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include decreased flexibility, which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.
Psoriatic arthritis: It is a type of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis. It could also occur in patients without psoriasis, particularly in those with a family history of psoriasis. It affects large joints in the lower extremities, the distal joints of toes and fingers, and the back and pelvis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, swelling, patches of red, scaly skin and pain.
Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is a most common autoimmune condition in which skin cells multiply faster than normal, resulting in white scales and itchy, red, dry patches. Certain medications, infections, skin injury, stress, and tobacco or alcohol use are the common triggers for plaque psoriasis.
Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a serious inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract. It produces ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine, which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever, or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite, or nausea. Ulcerative Colitis mostly occurs in people between the age of 15 to 30 years.
Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. But mostly occurs in the small intestine and large intestine. The symptoms include blood in stools, stomach cramps, tiredness, diarrhoea, fever, weight loss, or loss of appetite.
FAQs
Infliximab is used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis, Plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Infliximab contains Infliximab, which works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive.
Infliximab affects your immune system and makes you more susceptible to infections. Hence, it is not recommended for patients with active infections like tuberculosis or abnormal liver enzymes. Infliximab can also increase the risk of developing cancers; hence, informing your doctor if you have a history of any cancer is essential.
Yes, Infliximab is an immunosuppressant. It works by inhibiting the action of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein that promotes inflammation and immune responses. By suppressing the immune system, Infliximab can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Infliximab is a highly effective treatment for autoimmune diseases, offering many benefits that can outweigh its potential side effects. With proper medical care, you can minimize risks and maximize benefits, improving symptoms, increased mobility, and a better quality of life.
A healthcare provider administers Infliximab through an intravenous (IV) injection into your vein. The first dose is typically given over a period of 2 hours. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and schedule for your treatment. Please do not attempt to administer it yourself.
Yes, Infliximab can cause liver damage in some people, though it is rare. If you have pre-existing liver conditions like hepatitis, your doctor may monitor your liver function more closely during treatment. Be sure to report any symptoms, such as unexplained fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pain in the upper right abdomen, as these could indicate liver problems.
While Infliximab can have potential effects on the heart, it's essential to note that these risks are rare and typically occur within 24 hours of starting treatment. You can minimise possible risks and ensure safe treatment by closely monitoring your heart health and promptly reporting any symptoms to your doctor.
Many patients start to notice relief from symptoms within 2 to 8 weeks, but it can vary depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds to the medication. In some cases, it may take several months or longer to feel the full effects. Follow your doctor's instructions and attend follow-up appointments to track your progress.
There is no clear evidence to suggest that alcohol directly interacts with Infliximab. However, since alcohol can affect your immune system and overall health, it is important to be cautious. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Infliximab may cause common side effects such as nausea, headache, back pain, upper respiratory tract infections, vision problems, dizziness, pale skin, numbness, chest pain, rash, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if they persist for longer, please consult your doctor.
