Infliximab injection

What is this medicine?

INFLIXIMAB (in FLIX i mab) is used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and some forms of arthritis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• fever or chills, usually related to the infusion

• joint pain

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, pain or difficulty passing urine

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

• swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands

• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin areas

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• nausea

• stomach pain

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• biologic medicines such as abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, tofactinib, ustekinumab

• live vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cancer

• current or past resident of Ohio or Mississippi river valleys

• diabetes

• exposure to tuberculosis

• Guillain-Barre syndrome

• heart failure

• hepatitis or liver disease

• immune system problems

• infection

• lung or breathing disease, like COPD

• multiple sclerosis

• receiving phototherapy for the skin

• seizure disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to infliximab, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Before beginning therapy, your doctor may do a test to see if you have been exposed to tuberculosis.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may make the symptoms of heart failure worse in some patients. If you notice symptoms such as increased shortness of breath or swelling of the ankles or legs, contact your health care provider right away.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your health care professional or dentist that you have received this medicine.

If you take this medicine for plaque psoriasis, stay out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.