Infliximab is used to treat various inflammatory diseases such as:
- Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon)
- ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of your spine)
- plaque psoriasis (a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and raised skin patches covered with scales)
This medicine may also be used together with another medicine called methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles).
Infliximab may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Infliximab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your disease and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Infliximab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Infliximab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- severe infections e.g. TB or tuberculosis (lung infection), sepsis, infected abscess (collection of pus)
as Infliximab may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mild heart failure
- long-term or history of recurrent infection
- current or history of blood disorders
- disorder that affects the nervous system e.g. multiple sclerosis (scars or lesions in the brain and spinal cord), Guillain-Bare syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves)
- underlying conditions that make you prone to infections e.g. diabetes
- history of cancer
- history of fits or seizures
- moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- psoriasis with a history of long-term light therapy or treatment with medicines used for immune disorders
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid getting pregnant while being treated with Infliximab. Your doctor may advise you to use a proven birth control method during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after stopping the therapy.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have resided in or travelled to areas with endemic cases of TB or fungal infections.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
If you have received this medicine while pregnant, it is important to inform your baby's doctor before your baby receives any vaccine. Your baby's doctor will decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Cervical cancer screening and screening tests for tuberculosis and certain viral infections (e.g. hepatitis B or C) may be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, skin examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of infection, heart failure, allergic reactions, lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body), and cancer may also be needed.
Infliximab may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, constipation, back pain, muscle pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, dry skin, excessive sweating, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, persistent cough, night sweats, excessive phlegm production or a change in the colour of the phlegm, pain when passing urine, mouth sores
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, unusual tiredness
- unexplained or unusual bleeding or bruising, paleness, small or purple spots under the skin
- skin lump or growth, changes in moles or skin colour, weight loss
- signs and symptoms of heart failure e.g. abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling in the arms or legs
- signs and symptoms of lupus e.g. rash on the cheeks or arms that is sensitive to the sun, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, joint pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis such as anakinra and abatacept.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Infliximab may also be stored at room temperature up to 30°C for a single period of up to 6 months but not exceeding the original expiration date. Do not return to the refrigerator once removed.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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