Infliximab: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Infliximab?

What is infliximab for?

Infliximab is a drug commonly used to treat various types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), some intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), as well as some severe skin diseases (chronic plaque psoriasis). In this condition, the body's defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural substances (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the body. This helps reduce swelling (inflammation) and weakens the immune system, thereby slowing or stopping the damage caused by the disease.

How do I use infliximab?

This drug is given by injection into a vein for 2 hours as directed by your doctor. The dosage given is based on your health condition, weight, and response to the drug. After the first dose, this drug can usually be given again after 2 weeks and 6 weeks, then every 8 weeks as a maintenance dose (given once every 6 weeks for people with spinal arthritis) or as recommended by your doctor.

If you are doing home remedies, learn all the preparations and heed the instructions of a medical professional. Before starting treatment, check your product to see if there are any foreign substances or discoloration in the bottle. If either of the two things is present, do not use liquid medicine. Learn how to safely store and dispose of your medical supplies.

Your doctor may direct you to use other drugs (to help prevent side effects) before using this medicine. Use these medications exactly as directed by your doctor.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day. To help you remember, mark the days on your calendar when you need to take your medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't change or gets worse.

How do I save infliximab?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Infliximab dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for infliximab for adults?

The usual adult dosage for Crohn's disease - Acute

For people with moderate to acute Crohn's disease, or with Crohn's disease fistulization (fistula formation): a dose of 5 mg / kg is given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 6 weeks thereafter.

Treatment at a dose of 10 mg / kg is considered for patients whose body responds to the drug but loses response

The usual adult dosage for ulcerative colitis

For patients with moderate to acute ulcerative colitis: a dose of 5 mg / kg is given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 8 weeks thereafter

The usual adult dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

For patients with moderate to acute rheumatoid arthritis: a dose of 3 mg / kg is given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by the regimen. Doses adjusted up to 10 mg / kg over 4 weeks are considered for patients with poor response

The usual adult dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

A dose of 5 mg / kg is given as an IV induction regimen at weeks 0, 2, and 6 followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 6 weeks thereafter.

Dosage for patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (arthritis):

For patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: a dose of 5 mg / kg is given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 6 weeks thereafter

Usual adult dosage for sarcoidosis

dose 5 mg / kg ideal body weight, given as an IV infusion regimen, then given again after weeks 2, 4, and 8 and thereafter

The usual adult dosage for Behçet's disease

Research (n = 5). 5 mg / kg for a single IV infusion, given over 3 hours

The usual adult dosage for temporalis arthritis

Research (n = 4). 3 mg / kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6, for a single IV infusion, given over 3 hours

The usual adult dosage for polychondritis

Case (n = 2). 5 mg / kg ABW, by IV infusion at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, 22, 30, and 38, along with prednisone

The usual adult dose for Sjogren's syndrome

Trial (n = 16). 3 mg / kg via IV infusion at weeks 2, and 6

The usual adult dosage for celiac disease

Case (n = 1). 5 mg / kg via IV infusion, once, over 2 hours

Typical adult dosage for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) : Case (n = 1). 5 mg / kg kg via IV infusion, single dose

The usual adult dosage for subcorneal pustular dermatosis

Case (n = 1). 5 mg / kg kg via IV infusion, single dose

The usual adult dosage for pyoderma gangrenosum

Case (n = 3). 5 mg / kg via IV infusion at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 10 weeks, after which it is given every 6-8 weeks until therapy is over

The usual adult dosage for pulmonary fibrosis

Case (n = 1). 3 mg / kg given as an IV infusion regimen, then given again after 2, 4, and 8 weeks onwards

What is the dose of infliximab for children?

Typical children's dosage for Crohn's disease - Acute

For people with moderate to acute active Crohn's disease:
6 years and above: a dose of 5 mg / kg given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 8 weeks thereafter

Child dosage for Crohn's Disease patients - Nursing

For people with moderate to acute active Crohn's disease:
6 years and above: a dose of 5 mg / kg given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 8 weeks thereafter

Usual child dosage for ulcerative colitis

Moderate to severe:
6 years and above: a dose of 5 mg / kg given as an IV induction regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 8 weeks thereafter

Usual child dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Case (n = 2). 10 years and over: 3 mg / kg as an IV infusion regimen at 0, 2, and 6 weeks followed by a treatment regimen at a dose of 5 mg / kg every 8 weeks thereafter

The usual pediatric dosage for Kawasaki Disease

Case (n = 1)
Acute Kawasaki disease:
3 years and up: 5 mg / kg as regimen for IV induction, then repeated on days 45, 59, and 89.

In what dosage is infliximab available?

Injection, lyophilized powder for solution: 100 mg

Infliximab side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to infliximab?

Some patients who receive injections or injections of this drug experience reactions when they receive injections in a vein. Tell your nurse right away if you feel dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded, itching, swollen, short of breath or experiencing headaches, fever, chills, flu symptoms, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. as long as you get the shot. The reaction may occur 1 to 2 hours after injection.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop treatment and contact your doctor if you experience the following lymphoma symptoms:

• fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue
• a feeling of fullness after eating small portions
• pain in your upper abdomen that can spread to your shoulders
• easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, feeling dizzy or short of breath, fast heart rate, or
• nausea, upper abdominal pain, hives, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Stop treatment and call your doctor if you experience serious side effects, including:

• signs of infection (fever, chills, flu symptoms, confusion, or pain, warmth, or redness of your skin)
• chest pain, persistent cough, coughing up mucus or blood, shortness of breath with ankle swelling, rapid weight loss
• numbness or tingling sensation
• easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, unusual weakness
• a feeling of weakness in an arm or leg
• problems with eyesight
• stiff neck, spasms
• a feeling of pain or burning when urinating
• red, purple scaly skin rash, hair loss, joint or muscle pain, mouth sores.

Mild side effects include:

• stuffy nose, sinus pain, headache
• mild stomach pain
• mild skin rash
• flushed face

Infliximab Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using infliximab?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

• ask your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any injection of a drug made from murine (rat) protein, any other drug, or any of the ingredients in this drug's injection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't know if you are allergic to medications made from murine protein. Ask the pharmacist or see the Medication Guide for a list of medicinal ingredients
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription or nonprescription medications you are taking along with any vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or want to take. Be sure to mention the drugs listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, examples of which are the following: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), and theophylline (Theochron, Theolair, Uniphyl). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or watch it carefully to avoid side effects
• tell your doctor if you have or a similar medical history; congestive heart failure. Your doctor may tell you not to use this drug
• tell your doctor if you have had phototherapy (a treatment for psoriasis that exposes the skin to ultraviolet light) and if you have or have had a disease that affects your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS; loss of coordination, weakness, and numbness from nerve damage), Guillain-Barre syndrome (weakness, tingling, and possibly paralysis due to sudden nerve damage) or optic neuritis (inflammation of the nerves that send messages from the eye to the brain); numbness, a burning or tingling feeling throughout your body, seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, some diseases that affect the lungs and airways), any type of cancer, bleeding problems or diseases that affect your blood, heart disease

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are in the process of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. If you have recently become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your doctor. If you are taking this medicine while you are pregnant, tell your gynecologist after your baby is born. Your baby may need to get more vaccines than usual
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine

• do not receive any vaccine without your doctor's approval. Also tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine. If your child will be given an injection of this medicine, talk to your pediatrician about the vaccinations to be given before starting treatment. If possible, your child should be given all necessary vaccinations for children his or her age before starting treatment
• It is important to understand that you may have an allergic reaction that occurs 3 to 12 days after you receive the drug injection. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms a few days after the injection: muscle or joint pain, fever, rash, hives, swelling of the hands, face, or lips; difficulty swallowing; sore throat; and headaches

Is infliximab safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is pregnancy risk category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following FDA reference pregnancy risk categories:
• A = no risk
• B = no risk in some studies
• C = there may be some risks
• D = positive evidence of risk
• X = contraindicated
• N = unknown

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Infliximab Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with infliximab?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• Abatacept
• Adenovirus Vaccine Type 4, Live
• Adenovirus Vaccine Type 7, Live
• Anakinra
• Bacillus Calmette from and Guerin
• Calmette and Guerin's Bacillus Vaccine, Live
• Cyclosporine
• Fosphenytoin
• Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
• Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
• Vaccine Virus Mumps, Live
• Paclitaxel
• Phenytoin
• Polio Virus Vaccine, Live
• Quinidine
• Rilonacept
• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Rubella Virus Vaccine, Alive
• Sirolimus
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Tacrolimus
• Tocilizumab
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Varicella Virus Vaccine
• Warfarin
• Yellow Fever Vaccine

Can food or alcohol interact with infliximab?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with infliximab?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• allergy to murine protein (mice), similar medical history
• heart disease
• heart failure (congestive heart failure), moderate to severe
• infection
• tuberculosis, active - should not be used in patients with this condition
• aspergillosis (yeast infection), a similar medical history
• blastomycosis (yeast infection), similar medical history
• blood or bone marrow problems (for example, pancytopenia), a similar medical history
• candidiasis (yeast infection), a similar medical history
• coccidioidomycosis (yeast infection), a similar medical history
• diabetes
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (nervous system disorder), similar medical history
• hepatitis B, active or similar medical history
• histoplasmosis (yeast infection), a similar medical history
• legionellosis (bacterial infection), a similar medical history
• leukopenia or neutropenia (low white blood cell count) or
• listeriosis (bacterial infection), a similar medical history
• liver disease
• multiple sclerosis, a similar medical history
• optic neuritis (eye problems)
• pneumonia (yeast infection), similar medical history
• psoriasis (skin disease)
• seizures, similar medical history
• thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) - Use with caution. Likely to make conditions worse
• cancer, active or similar medical history
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Use with caution. May increase the chance of new cancers appearing
• tuberculosis, similar medical history - Use with caution. Patients may need additional TB therapy

Infliximab overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.