What is infliximab?
Infliximab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.
Infliximab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Infliximab is also used to treat severe or disabling plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin).
Infliximab is often used when other medicines have not been effective.
Infliximab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about infliximab?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to infliximab, or if you are also being treated with anakinra (Kineret) or abatacept (Orencia).
Some people using infliximab have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young adults using infliximab or similar medicines to treat Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, night sweats, itching, loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, feeling full after eating only a small amount, pain in your upper stomach that may spread to your shoulder, nausea, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Infliximab can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with infliximab. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, flu symptoms, or pain, warmth, or redness of your skin.
Before you receive infliximab, tell your doctor if you have heart failure or other heart problems, an active or recent infection, diabetes, liver disease, seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a history of cancer, a weak immune system, numbness or tingling, a nerve or muscle disorder, or if you have recently received a vaccine.
Before you start treatment with infliximab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with infliximab.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using infliximab?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to infliximab, or if you are also being treated with anakinra (Kineret) or abatacept (Orencia).
Some people using infliximab have developed a rare fast-growing type of lymphoma (cancer). This condition affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and it can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young adults using infliximab or similar medicines to treat Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
However, people with autoimmune disorders (including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis) may have a higher risk of lymphoma. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
Before using infliximab, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.
To make sure you can safely take infliximab, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
severe heart failure, or other heart problems;
an active or recent infection, open sores or skin wounds;
diabetes;
liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
a history of cancer;
a weak immune system;
numbness or tingling anywhere in your body;
a disease that affects the nerves or muscles, such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome;
if you have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin); or
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.
FDA pregnancy category B. It is not known whether infliximab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether infliximab passes into breast milk. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving infliximab.
Infliximab is not for use in children younger than 6 years old.