Medication Profile: Infliximab

Summary or Key Points

Infliximab is a potent biologic medication used to manage several chronic inflammatory conditions. It helps by controlling your body’s immune system response, effectively reducing inflammation and associated symptoms. This article explores essential details about Infliximab, such as its uses, dosing, side effects, and more. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your medication regimen. If you need immediate consultation, our providers are readily available via telemedicine.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Remicade (Infliximab)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of a drug, which is typically used by healthcare professionals. It’s often in parentheses next to the brand name, which is the trade name given by a manufacturer.

Pharmacologic Category

Infliximab belongs to a category of drugs known as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors. Other medications in this class include Etanercept (Enbrel), Adalimumab (Humira), and Certolizumab (Cimzia).

Dosing

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions for Infliximab, as it varies based on the condition being treated. Here are the recommended doses for adults:

• Crohn’s Disease: Initial dose of 5 mg/kg, followed by similar doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion. Then, maintenance therapy of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Initial dose of 5 mg/kg, followed by similar doses at 2 and 6 weeks, then 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 3 mg/kg administered at 0, 2 and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks. Can be adjusted up to 10 mg/kg or treated as often as every 4 weeks depending on the response.
• Psoriasis: Initial dose of 5 mg/kg, then similar doses at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Initial dose of 5 mg/kg, then at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: 5 mg/kg at 0, 2, and 6 weeks, then every 6 weeks.

Remember, always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. Our team is available for immediate consultation through telemedicine if needed.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Infliximab comes as a powder for intravenous infusion. It’s available in the following strengths:

• 100 mg vials

Administration Instructions

Infliximab should be administered by healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion. The infusion time typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours. Always ensure it’s given in a setting where emergency resuscitation equipment is immediately available. Consult our telemedicine providers if you need additional guidance.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While Infliximab is effective in treating inflammation, it may cause some side effects. Not everyone experiences these, but if you do, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, abdominal pain, nausea.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): allergic reactions, chest pain, hot flushes, cough, diarrhea, headache.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): serious infections like tuberculosis, heart failure, autoimmune reactions like lupus.

If you experience any adverse reactions, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals immediately.

Contraindications

A ‘contraindication’ is a specific situation or condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure potentially harmful. Infliximab is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Active Serious Infections: Infliximab may weaken the immune system, leading to difficulty in controlling existing severe infections.
• Known Hypersensitivity to Infliximab or Inactive Ingredients: Individuals allergic to Infliximab or any of its components should avoid it to prevent severe allergic reactions.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Some medications may interact with Infliximab, affecting how it works or increasing side effects. Examples include:

• Abatacept (Orencia)
• Anakinra (Kineret)
• Vaccines (Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with Infliximab)

Infliximab in Pregnancy

It’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of using Infliximab during pregnancy with your healthcare provider. Limited studies in humans do not suggest a significant risk, but caution is advised.

Infliximab while Breastfeeding

While Infliximab does pass into breast milk, the levels appear to be low and are likely destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. However, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Estimated Cost of Medication

As of the time of writing, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Infliximab without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $4,500 – $5,000. Prices can vary based on location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

There are alternative treatment options for each of the diseases Infliximab treats. Remember to consult your healthcare provider before changing your treatment regimen. Our telemedicine providers are available for consultation:

• Crohn’s Disease: Immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and dietary changes.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and dietary changes.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and physical therapy.
• Psoriasis: Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and oral or injected medications.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: NSAIDs, DMARDs, and physical therapy.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Physical therapy, exercise, and NSAIDs.

Recent Updates on Infliximab Research

Research is continually evolving, with recent studies indicating that Infliximab may also be effective for off-label use in treating conditions like sarcoidosis and Behcet’s disease. Additionally, ongoing studies are looking into personalized dosing strategies to maximize the benefits of Infliximab and minimize potential side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals to understand the latest research and how it might apply to your condition.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.