Infliximab
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Description
Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat Crohn's disease in
patients who have not been helped by other medicines and also in patients who have a type
of Crohn's disease in which fistulas form. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Warning about Infliximab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against
the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Infliximab, the
following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic
reaction to Infliximab or to rodents (such as rats or mice). Mouse cells are used in the
preparation of Infliximab. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Studies have not been done in either humans or animals. It is not
known if Infliximab causes harmful effects on the fetus. Before receiving this medicine,
make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether Infliximab passes into breast milk.
Because of the risk of harmful effects in the nursing baby, it may be necessary for you to
stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of
the medicine with your doctor.
Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients,
and there is no specific information comparing use of Infliximab in children with use in
other age groups.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older
people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in
younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There
is no specific information comparing use of Infliximab in the elderly with use in other
age groups. However, older adults generally get more infections than do younger adults,
and it is not known if Infliximab may affect the number of infections that older people
get.
Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect
the use of Infliximab. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical
problems, especially:
- Heart disease—Infliximab is not recommended for patients with a certain type of
heart disease called congestive heart failure.
- Infection—Infliximab is not recommended for patients with an active infection.
Caution should be used if you have a chronic infection or history of a recurring
infection.
- Inactive tuberculosis infection—Should be treated before starting Infliximab
therapy.
Precautions considering Infliximab
Infliximab may cause chest pain, fever, chills, itching, hives, flushing of face, or
troubled breathing within a few hours after you receive it. Check with your doctor or
nurse immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
It is important to have a tuberculin skin test to make sure that you do not have an
inactive tuberculosis infection, which could worsen while you are on Infliximab therapy.
It is important to have your heart closely checked if you take Infliximab, and have
existing heart disease, which could worsen while you are on Infliximab therapy
Side Effects of Infliximab
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not
all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
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More common
Chest pain; chills; fever; flushing of face; hives;
itching; troubled breathing
Abdominal pain; cough; dizziness; fainting; headache;
muscle pain; nasal congestion; nausea; runny nose; shortness of
breath; sneezing; sore throat; tightness in chest; unusual
tiredness or weakness ; vomiting; wheezing
Less common
Back pain; bloody or cloudy urine; cracks in skin at the corners of mouth;
diarrhea; difficult or painful urination; frequent urge to urinate;
high blood pressure; low blood pressure; pain; pain or tenderness
around eyes and cheekbones ; skin rash; soreness or irritation of mouth or
tongue; soreness or redness around fingernails or toenails; vaginal burning or
itching and discharge; white patches in mouth and/or on tongue
Rare
Abscess (swollen, red, tender area of infection containing pus) ; back or side
pain; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; bone or joint pain;
constipation; falls; feeling of fullness; general feeling of
illness; hernia (bulge of tissue through the wall of the abdomen); infection ;
irregular or pounding heartbeat ; pain in rectum; pain spreading from
the abdomen to the left shoulder; pinpoint red spots on skin; stomach pain
(severe); swollen or painful glands; tendon injury; unusual bleeding or
bruising; weight loss (unusual); yellow skin and eyes
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