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Infliximab is used with methotrexate (a medication) to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in patients who did not get better when they took methotrexate alone. Infliximab is also used to relieve the symptoms of Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever) in patients who have taken other medications and not gotten better. Infliximab is also used to decrease the number of fistulas (abnormal tunnels between two organs or an organ and the skin) and to prevent closed fistulas from reopening in patients with Crohn's disease who have or have had fistulas. Infliximab is also used to relieve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (a condition in which the body attacks the joints of the spine and other areas causing pain and joint damage).Infliximab is also used with or without methotrexate to relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin). Infliximab is in a class of medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of TNF, a substance in the body that causes inflammation.
Infliximab comes as a powder to be mixed with sterile water and infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given in a doctor's office every 2–8 weeks. It will take about 2 hours for you to receive your entire dose of infliximab. Infliximab may cause serious allergic reactions during an infusion and for 2 hours afterward. A doctor or nurse will monitor you during this time to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You may be given other medications to treat or prevent reactions to infliximab. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during or shortly after your infusion: hives; rash; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; flushing dizziness; fainting; headache; upset stomach; blurred vision; fever; chills; seizures; and chest pain. Infliximab may control rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, but it does not cure these conditions. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well infliximab works for you. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, your doctor may increase your dose or give you infliximab more often (up to once every 4 weeks) if needed. If you have Crohn's disease and your condition has not improved after 14 weeks, your doctor may stop treating you with infliximab. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment. Your doctor will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet to read before you receive each dose of infliximab. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor any questions you have. |