Infliximab is used to treat inflammation of bowels and joints.
This medicine is also used to treat psoriasis (a type of skin disease that is caused by itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Infliximab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not take this medicine if you have moderate or severe heart failure as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- tuberculosis (lung infection)
- resided or travelled from a place where there are fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis
- hepatitis B infection (liver disease)
- currently have or have a history of any infections
- damaged nerve fibres in your brain or spinal cord
- cancer
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need to do routine complete blood count or liver function test while you are being treated with this medicine. Before, during or after treatment, your doctor may need to screen you for any signs or symptoms of infections such as hepatitis B virus or tuberculosis.
Infliximab may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, cough, sore throat, tiredness, skin rash, joint pain, back pain, stuffy or runny nose and pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, pale skin
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- numbness and tingling in your hands or feet
- signs of infection e.g. fever, chills, rapid breathing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis e.g. abatacept, anakinra, tocilizumab, methotrexate.
Avoid vaccinations during and 3 months after treatment with Infliximab. It is recommended for patients to receive all vaccinations before using this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C).
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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