Home > Conditions & illnesses > Arthritis > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs > Remicade-Infliximab Drug Information

Remicade-Infliximab Drug Information

Remicade is the brand name for the generic drug Infliximab manufactured by Centocor, Inc and it is available in 20 ml single-use vials as injectibles. Very often, this drug is prescribed when a number of other drugs have not worked very well.

Remicade is used to treat:

Action

This drug is administered intravenously as it is an injectible. It acts by blocking the action of the protein TNF or tumor necrosis factor alpha and this in turn decreases the inflammation and acts as an immunosuppressant. So when the inflammation decreases, so does the swelling, the pain and the fever.

Side Effects

While most patients will not experience any problems, this drug can produce side effects and it is best to be informed about them so you can take the appropriate action if needed. Some of the side effects are headache, backache and stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, itching and weakness. There could also be fever, a persistent sore throat, mouth thrush, vaginal discharge and diarrhea. Very often, the site of the injection will be sore and may itch. Some experience extreme fatigue as well as mood swings, vision impairment, numbness, swelling and increased urination. The skin and eyes could turn yellow, there could be gland swellings or coughing up of blood. There could also be bruising or bleeding and weight gain or weight loss. Sometimes, you could have shortness of breath, seizures or chills. Any change from the normal is cause enough to call your doctor. Some allergies could start mild and progress quickly to something serious so it is better to get medical attention as soon as you can.

Caution

This drug must be taken with caution because it lowers the immune function in the body. This could make you susceptible to diseases like fungal infections or TB so you should be tested before you start on this medication. You must monitor your health and the least sign of a sore throat, fever or cough must be reported to the doctor so he can take the necessary steps to prevent an infection from getting worse.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in people who already have an infection. Someone who does or is tested positive for TB or tuberculosis must be treated for that first before this drug can be prescribed. It should also be avoided by people who are prone to repeated infections.

Other readers of this article found the following related searches helpful:

  • Dianne Blackburn

    what about serum infections caused using the Remicaid ?

    • sandy

      i am to have the iv this friday

  • Skeptical

    This is a very bad drug.  My mom was put on this drug for RA.  She was checked and tested for everything prior to her first injection by IV.  She had been given a clean bill of health.  3 Months later, she was so sick, I had to take her to the hospital.  Test revealed she had cancer.  Not just the beginning of cancer, but was saturated throughout her entire body.  She died 12 days later.  The cancer was so bad, it was eating the flesh out of her mouth, and the doctors were unable to even stick her with needles because all the protein in her blood had been eaten up by the cancer.  They tried transfusions, but the protein was gone by the end of the transfusion.They could not even test her to find out what type of cancer it was.  This Drug cancels out your immunities, and allowing dormant cancer cells to activate.  The listed side effects disclose that lymphoma is possible. It cause full blown cancer, not just lymphoma.  This drug has been marketed under numerous different names.  The Drug Companies know that the harsh reality is that this drug, and all like it cause  cancer, and a large number of people die from using it.  Be very cautious, and find something else.

    • Ccarmer321

      something that quick would not be from the drug. false report

      • James

        I agree w/Ccarmer321.  It is unlikely that such a drastic change in a persons’ health would occur in such a short period of time.  I get remicade infusions and fortunately at this time I have not experienced any negative side affects.  I take 14 prescription medicines daily, in addition to the scheduled remicade infusions.  I have never experienced a real bad side effect from any of the meds I take.  I will mention that I am a leukemia survivor and was skeptical about the remicade infusion.  Hopefully I will get my life back with this drug.  Some refer to remicade as a miracle drug.  For me, only time will tell.  My condolences to you for the loss of your mother in such a tragic manner.

        • Bsee1943

          It is good to hear a positive report about remicade infusions.  I started them two years ago, with a very small improvement.  Recently, I started on an increased dose every six weeks, instead of every eight.  I already feel better.
          Now it seems my mammogram has shown a white spot and the drs want to do a biopsy because they don’t know what it is.  Anyone know anything about lymphoma?  I am a little concerned, but am keeping a positive attitude.  I know very little about lymphoma, but that it has been written could be a side effect of the infusions. 

    • Bsee1943

      It sounds like cancer was in her body way long before the Remecaid infusions were begun, I have NEVER heard of anything like that occurring after just three months.

  • Jolibow

    My 39 yr old daughter began getting infusions of Remicade(for psoriasis)  and seemed to get some relief (from the psoriasis) but began suffering from ever increasing muscle & joint pain. Having lost her health insurance about 2 months ago, she hasn’t been able to get her infusions. She is in constant pain and discomfort, and is frantic for suggestions (for relief, for financial help in paying for the treatments, and alternate treatments for her pain. Anyone else who has gone through this? Any advice/help. 

    • Angela Baum09

      Johnson and Johnson who owns Remicaid will pay 100% of its costs if a person qualifies, which is not hard to do. Also Remistart pays for some of the costs if she does not qualify for help from J & J. I got this information from my infusion provider. Good luck.

  • Debra

    I have Crohn’s and Colitis.Lucky me(Ha!) I’m going to start IV Remicade this coming Monday morning. I’m not happy about it, but my pain is bad and my mouth is also been sore. I saw a specialist for my mouth and he feels that my Crohn’s is the problem.I’ve lost about 35 pounds.I hurt so much to eat. I’m really worried about my amuine system being pulled down. Has anyone got any help or information that might help me?   “Deb”

    • Kecash12

      I have Colitis and have been on Remicade Infusions for more than a year.  I have not had any bad side effects and I have not noticed my immune system being impaired;  I have not caught common cold or other infections from friends or coworkers.  Remicade has been a blessing for me.  No other medications were working and now I can relax and enjoy my life without worrying all the time.
       

  • barb

    I have been on Remicade about year & half for Chrons disease.  I have not had any side effects (Thank God).   I was in horrible stomach pain before I started on Remicade.   It has been a blessing for me.   I have a infusion every 8 weeks & take 3000 m of pentesa everyday.  

  • liz

    i have been on the med for over a year, my crohn’s disease  does feel much better, but  in may 2011 i came down with a rash, very itchy and honestly look like i have the measles.itch to the point of bleeding, my doctor’s don’t know what it’s caused from, i do know that as long as i’m on a high steroid and a strong allergy med i can deal with it, but if i forget to take them i’m in agony. i have changed all the soaps in the house and laundry soap too and nothing helps, could  it be a reaction to the Remicade? i was on steroids for the most part of my treatments, but the doctor took me off them and this appeared. i am allergic to azathioprine and avelox. i am also on endocort and welchol. doctor’s don’t have any idea’s…..

  • Edie

    I have been on Remicade for 9 yrs. for rheumatoid arthritis.  I am infused with 6 vials every 8 wks. I have had no side effects and am very thankful. I am down to 25 mg. of azathioprine daily and take nothing for pain, etc. I am now able to take zumba and aerobics. The exercise has helped so much. Keep moving, don’t eat “inflamatory foods”. Every little bit helps.Blessings!