Other Names/Brands

Remicade, Remsima, Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola, Inflix, and Ixifi

Mechanism of Action

Infliximab works by targeting and neutralizing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a protein that plays a key role in the inflammatory process in various autoimmune diseases. By binding to TNF-α, infliximab prevents this protein from triggering an excessive inflammatory response, thereby helping reduce swelling, pain, and tissue damage.

Indications

Infliximab is indicated for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. This drug is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis to reduce pain and joint damage.

Infliximab is also used in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, to control intestinal inflammation and prevent symptom flare-ups.

Contraindications

Infliximab is contraindicated in patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to infliximab or any of its components, including the murine proteins it contains.

This drug should also not be used in patients with severe infections, such as tuberculosis, sepsis, or opportunistic infections, as it can weaken the immune system and worsen the infection.

Infliximab should be avoided in patients with severe congestive heart failure or a history of severe allergic reactions to similar therapies.

Side Effects

Infliximab can cause various side effects, including fever, chills, rash, itching, or headache during or after administration. Infliximab can also increase the risk of infections, including respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, and other opportunistic infections due to immune system suppression.

Some patients may also experience stomach upset, joint pain, or liver problems. More serious side effects, although rare, include heart failure, severe allergic reactions, or the development of antibodies to infliximab, which can reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Preparations

Infliximab is available as an injectable solution or intravenous infusion administered in a hospital or healthcare facility under the supervision of medical personnel.

This medication is administered intravenously over a specific period of time, with the dosage and frequency adjusted based on the patient's condition and response to therapy.

Infliximab is not available in oral or topical forms, and its handling and storage require special procedures to maintain the drug's stability and effectiveness.

Dosage

The dosage of infliximab varies depending on the disease, the patient's weight, and response to therapy. Infliximab is administered as an intravenous infusion with an initial dose followed by booster doses at weeks 2 and 6, then every 6-8 weeks for maintenance therapy.

The specific dosage may vary between conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, so dosing should always be based on a doctor's direction and closely monitored.

Safety of Drugs

Infliximab is a drug with a safety category that requires careful attention, especially in pregnant women and patients with immune disorders.

Infliximab is categorized as pregnancy category B, meaning animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus.

This drug should also be used with caution in patients with a history of severe infections, liver disorders, or heart failure, as it may increase the risk of complications due to immune suppression.

Drug Interactions

Infliximab may interact with other medications that affect the immune system. Concomitant use with other immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, may increase the risk of severe infections, although they are sometimes used to enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

This medication may also reduce the response to live vaccines, so certain vaccines should be postponed or used with caution.

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