REMICADE 100 MG
INFLIXIMAB
What it does
Infliximab is a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions by reducing inflammation in the body.
Commonly used for: rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis …
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:09:23 · updated 2026-07-26 13:51:48
Drug Interactions
1Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Infliximab appears in TABLE 15: Drugs that cause myelosuppression
Severe (1)
Infliximab - increases risk of immunosuppression
Filgotinib is predicted to increase the risk of immunosuppression when given with monoclonal antibodies (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, sarilumab, secukinumab, tocil
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Infliximab is a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions by reducing inflammation in the body.
What it treats
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn's disease
- ulcerative colitis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- psoriasis
How it works
It works by blocking a specific protein in the immune system that causes inflammation.
Who it's for
It is for adults and some children with specific autoimmune diseases.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if taking other medications that can reduce blood cell production.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Infliximab
BNF-referencedInfliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in various autoimmune diseases. By binding to TNF-alpha, infliximab prevents it from interacting with its receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and altering the immune response. It is primarily used for the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.
Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn's disease
- Fistulating Crohn's disease
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Dosage
Children: For children aged 6-17 years with severe active Crohn's disease, initially 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion
Adults: Initially 3 mg/kg by intravenous infusion, then 3 mg/kg at weeks 2 and 6, followed by 3 mg/kg every 8 weeks. For Crohn's disease, initially 5 mg/kg, then 5 mg/kg after 2 weeks, and maintenance dosing may be adjusted based on clinical response.
Mechanism of action
Infliximab works by specifically binding to TNF-alpha, blocking its interaction with TNF receptors on the surface of cells. This action inhibits the downstream inflammatory signaling pathways that TNF-alpha activates, leading to reduced inflammation, decreased immune system activity, and improved symptoms in autoimmune diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of infliximab involve its ability to neutralize the effects of TNF-alpha, thereby decreasing the inflammatory response. This results in a reduction of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, leading to decreased migration of inflammatory cells to tissues and a reduction in disease activity. Clinical improvement can be seen in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, where TNF-alpha plays a significant role in pathogenesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Infliximab is administered via intravenous infusion. It has a half-life of approximately 7 to 12 days, allowing for convenient dosing schedules. The drug is primarily metabolized through proteolytic degradation, and its clearance can be affected by factors such as concomitant medications, disease state, and patient characteristics. It is important to monitor for therapeutic response and adjust dosing based on clinical judgement.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to infliximab or any of its components
- Severe heart failure (New York Heart Association class III or IV)
- Active infections, including tuberculosis
Adverse effects
- Infusion-related reactions
- Increased risk of infections
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Hypertension
- Anemia
- Neutropenia
- Rash
- Lymphadenopathy
Interactions
- Live vaccines (increased risk of infection)
- Filgotinib (increases risk of immunosuppression)
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of infection during treatment
- Consider screening for tuberculosis prior to initiation
- Caution in patients with a history of recurrent infections
- Discontinue if no response within 12 weeks of initial infusion
Pregnancy
Data on the use of infliximab in pregnancy are limited. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. TNF-alpha inhibitors may affect fetal immune system development.
Breast-feeding
Infliximab is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.
Storage
Store at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Solution for injection (by intravenous infusion)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.