What is Infliximab (Remicade®)?
Infliximab is used to reduce signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint swelling, pain, tiredness, and duration of morning stiffness. The brand name for Infliximab is Remicade®. You will also take Methotrexate while on Infliximab.
How do I take it?
Infliximab is an infusion (intravenous medication). After you receive your first dose you will get your second dose 2 weeks later and the third dose 4 weeks after the second dose. The maintenance dose begins after the third dose. The infusion for maintenance is every 8 weeks.
What else should I know?
Infliximab works quickly. Patients, who respond to infliximab, generally feel better within 2 weeks of starting therapy. The infusion usually takes about 2 hours. Occasionally patients have a reaction to the infusion. These reactions are usually treated with Tylenol or Benadryl. Blood work will be done every 4-8 weeks to check your liver function since you will still be on Methotrexate.
Notify your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of a serious infection, such as high fever, pneumonia, sinus infection or kidney infection.
What about other medications?
When you are taking Infliximab, it is very important that your doctors know if you are taking any other medicine. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines as well as birth control pills, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Infliximab will be taken with methotrexate. Your doctor will advise you on other medications.
