- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – with methotrexate
Dose:3 mg/kg IV at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks,dose may be increased to 10 mg/kg
- Crohn’s Disease (adult & pediatric) – moderate to severe, refractory cases
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC) – moderate to severe
Dose:5 mg/kg IV at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks,May increase to 10 mg/kg for loss of response
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Dose:5 mg/kg IV at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 6–8 weeks
- Plaque Psoriasis – moderate to severe
Dose:5 mg/kg IV at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks
- Lyophilized powder: 100 mg per vial
- Reconstituted with sterile water, infused over 2+ hours
- Not administered subcutaneously
- IV infusion only, given under medical supervision
- Monitor vital signs during and after infusion
- Observe patients for 1–2 hours post-infusion (especially first few doses) for signs of hypersensitivity
- Class: Chimeric monoclonal antibody (IgG1) against TNF-α
- Mechanism of Action:
- Binds soluble and transmembrane TNF-α → inhibits inflammation, cell recruitment, cytokine release
- Reduces signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases
- Half-life: ~8–10 days
- Immunogenicity: Formation of anti-drug antibodies may reduce efficacy and increase infusion reactions
- Infusion-related reactions: fever, chills, itching, headache
- Respiratory infections (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis)
- Abdominal pain, nausea
- Fatigue
- Hypersensitivity to infliximab or murine proteins
- Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA III/IV) at doses >5 mg/kg
- Active severe infection (e.g., sepsis, abscesses, TB)
- Live vaccines: Avoid during and after treatment
- Combined use with anakinra or abatacept is not recommended
- Immunosuppressants: ↑ risk of infection
- Caution with other biologics
Drug Status
Availability | |
Pregnancy | |
Breastfeeding | |
Schedule |
BRAND NAME | STRENGTH | FORMULATION | PACK SIZE | MANUFACTURER | DISTRIBUTOR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Remicade | 100mg | Injection | 1’s | Janssen Pharma | Surgipharm Ltd |