How does Infliximab work inside the body?
Infliximab is an anti-inflammatory medication. It reduces inflammation and its symptoms and protects joints from further damage. Infliximab is used to treat conditions such as vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis), and other types of inflammatory diseases.
What is the method of taking Infliximab?
Infliximab is administered by intravenous infusion.
What is the recommended dose of Infliximab?
The recommended dose is 3-5 mg/kg, as the dose depends on body weight. Methotrexate should be taken alongside Infliximab to enhance the body’s response to the medication.
What steps should be followed while taking Infliximab?
You should contact your doctor immediately if any of the following occur:
-
Life-threatening symptoms such as: difficulty breathing or chest tightness, fever, itching, severe cough, bluish skin color, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
-
Signs or symptoms of illness, including fever, chills (fever with shaking), severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum color, painful urination, mouth ulcers, non-healing wounds, itching, or anal pain.
-
Difficulty breathing.
-
Any rash that appears on the person.
Contraindications for using Infliximab?
-
Patients who have had a severe allergic reaction to Infliximab previously.
-
Patients who may have cancer or have a medical history of certain cancer symptoms.
-
Patients with severe or poorly controlled congestive heart failure.
-
Patients with multiple sclerosis.
-
Patients with serious infections (such as tuberculosis).
What are the possible side effects of this medication?
-
Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis).
-
Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
-
Adverse reactions may occur during or after the intravenous infusion.
-
It can cause a decrease in white blood cell counts (which defend the body) or red blood cell counts.
-
Serious infections associated with its use; you should consult your doctor if any signs of infection or fever occur.
-
A few reports have shown worsening of disorders affecting the nervous system when taking this medication.
What should I avoid while taking Infliximab?
-
You should consult your doctor about all types of vaccinations, as doctors advise against receiving certain types during treatment.
-
If you are scheduled for surgery, please inform your doctor.
-
You should inform your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, as taking this medication may worsen your condition.
Is there a need for regular blood tests while taking Infliximab?
There is no need for regular blood tests while taking this medication.
Does Infliximab pose any risk to pregnancy?
It is a relatively new type of medication, so its risk to pregnancy is not yet known. Therefore, pregnancy should be avoided while taking it. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, women should use an appropriate contraceptive method. Breastfeeding should also be avoided while taking this medication.
