What is it and how is it used?
Remicade contains the active substance called infliximab. Infliximab is a type of protein of human and mouse origin.
Remicade belongs to a group of medicines called ‘TNF blockers’. It is used in adults for the following inflammatory diseases:
Remicade is also used in adults and children 6 years of age or older for:
Remicade works by blocking the action of a protein called ‘tumour necrosis factor alpha’ (TNF α). This protein is involved in inflammatory processes of the body and blocking it can reduce the inflammation in your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints . If you have active rheumatoid arthritis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Remicade which you will take in combination with another medicine called methotrexate to:
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, usually accompanied by psoriasis. If you have active psoriatic arthritis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Remicade to:
Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease)
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine. If you have ankylosing spondylitis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Remicade to:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin. If you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, you will first be given other medicines or treatments, such as phototherapy. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines or treatments, you will be given Remicade to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Remicade to treat your disease.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have Crohn’s disease you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these, you will be given Remicade to:
What do you have to consider before using it?
You should not be given Remicade if:
Do not have Remicade if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor before you are given Remicade.
Take special care with Remicade
Check with your doctor before you are given Remicade if you have:
Had treatment with Remicade before
Infections
Tuberculosis (TB)
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Heart problems
Cancer and lymphoma
Lung disease or heavy smoking
Nervous system disease
Abnormal skin openings
Vaccinations
Operations or dental procedures
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor before you are given Remicade.
Using other medicines
Patients who have inflammatory diseases already take medicines to treat their problem. These medicines may cause side effects. Your doctor will advise you what other medicines you must keep using while you are having Remicade.
Tell your doctor if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, such as vitamins and herbal medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Remicade.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Driving and using machines
Remicade is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines. If you feel tired or unwell after having Remicade, do not drive or use any tools or machines.
How is it used?
How Remicade is given
How much Remicade is given
Rheumatoid arthritis
The usual dose is 3 mg for every kg of body weight. After the third treatment, your doctor may decide to give you Remicade over a 1 hour period.
Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
The usual dose is 5 mg for every kg of body weight.
Use in children
Remicade should only be used in children if they are being treated for Crohn’s disease. These children must be 6 years of age or older.
If you are given too much Remicade
As this medicine is being given by your doctor or nurse, it is unlikely that you will be given too much. There are no known side effects of having too much of Remicade.
If you forget or miss your Remicade infusion
If you forget or miss an appointment to receive Remicade, make another appointment as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Remicade can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However some patients may experience serious side effects and may require treatment. Side effects may also occur after your treatment with Remicade has stopped.
Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following:
Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the above.
Common side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 100)
Uncommon side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 1,000)
Rare side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 10,000)
Other side effects (the frequency is unknown)
If any of the side effects gets serious or if you notice any side effects that are not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.
How should it be stored?
Remicade will be stored by the health professionals at the hospital or clinic. The storage details should you need them are as follows:
The solution should not be used if discoloured or if there are particles present.
