Infliximab

What is this medication for?

Infliximab belongs to a class of medications named as biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD).  

Infliximab blocks a substance called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in your body to reduce inflammation and prevent your body’s immune system from becoming overactive. 

It is used to treat various inflammatory conditions in the joints, skin, spine and gut. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• It is given as an infusion through a vein. This has to be done in the hospital for about 2-4 hours.  
• This medication is administered at week 0, 2 and 6, followed by once every 8-weeks, or as instructed by your physician.
• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss an infusion appointment, schedule a new one as soon as you can. Do inform your doctor about the missed or delayed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Your healthcare professional would order screening tests to rule out certain conditions before starting Infliximab. Infliximab is generally used with precaution in the following scenario:

• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C—this medicine may cause the virus to become active again
• Current or previous cancer
• Moderate to severe heart failure
• Tuberculosis 

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
• You have signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, severe sore throat.
• You have numbness, tingling, or any nerve problems. This is extremely rare.  
• You develop a persistent rash, fever, joint pain, or unexplained tiredness—these may be signs of a lupus-like syndrome. This is extremely rare.  
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Infusion reaction (flushing, chills, chest tightness, shortness of breath, hypotension or hypertension)
  • You may be given medications before the infusion to help prevent any reactions.
  • You will be closely monitored in the ward during and after the infusion.
  • Let the nurse know right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
  • If the symptoms are severe, the infusion may be slowed down or stopped.
• Upper respiratory infections (runny nose, sore throat, hoarse voice or loss of voice)
• Headache  
• Stomach pain 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Signs of infection (fever, chills, very bad sore throat). This medicine may increase your risk of serious infections or reactivate the infections, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria.  
• Signs of lupus (persistent unexplained rash, fever, joint pain, extreme tiredness)
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine)
• Signs of nerve problems (tingling, numbness, change in vision, muscle weakness)
• The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:  
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

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If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Live vaccinations such as yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis);

Raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.  

Other biological immunosuppressive medications used to treat conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, such as Anakinra and Abatacept. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medicine into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.