Prescription Drugs

VialChemical Name: INFLIXIMAB (in-FLICKS-ih-mab)

Common usesThis medicine is a protein that may help reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with Crohn"s disease. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis. It is also used along with methotrexate to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine is not a cure for these diseases. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before usingWARNING: Infliximab decreases immune system function (immunosuppression), which can result in serious (sometimes fatal) infections, or a worsening of an existing infection. Before starting treatment with infliximab, you should have a TB skin test done to check for tuberculosis that may not be causing any symptoms (latent TB). If you are diagnosed with TB, anti-tuberculosis medicines must be started before you start infliximab therapy. This will prevent a serious TB infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this medicine, such as fever, persistent sore throat, unusual vaginal discharge, or painful or frequent urination. IF YOU LIVE IN OR HAVE RECENTLY VISITED AN AREA where histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis infections are common, inform your doctor. Ask your doctor if you have questions about whether these infections are common in a particular area. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. USE OF LIVE VACCINATIONS is not recommended while you are using this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are using anakinra or receiving a vaccination. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of chronic or recurrent infection, tuberculosis, hepatitis, liver problems, fungal infection (such as histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis), heart problems (including congestive heart failure), blood disorders or problems, lymphoma or other cancer, seizures, nervous system problems (such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or CNS demyelinating disease), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you currently have an infection or have a history of moderate to severe congestive heart failure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

DirectionsFollow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is usually administered as an infusion at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the prescription label. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.

CautionsDO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to murine (mouse) proteins, or to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, lips, or hands; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Infrequently, blood problems, some fatal, have developed in patients using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, or if your skin becomes very pale. Rarely, nervous system problems have developed in patients using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a change in vision; weakness in your arms or legs; or numbness or tingling in any part of your body. Use of this medicine may increase your risk for a certain type of blood cancer (lymphoma). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a lump or swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin; excessive sweating; fever; unexplained loss of weight or appetite; unusual tiredness; unexplained cough or breathlessness; or persistent itching. Severe liver reactions (some fatal), including hepatitis, have been reported in patients taking this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark-colored urine, right-sided stomach pain, fever, or severe tiredness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially the risk of infection. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effectsSIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include abdominal pain; fatigue; nausea; or pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sore throat; fever; headache; chills; muscle or joint pain; trouble swallowing; chest pain; unusual weakness or fatigue; unusual bruising or bleeding; fainting; painful urination or change in the amount of urine produced; swelling of feet or ankles; unusual vaginal discharge; seizure; change in vision; weakness in the arms or legs; numbness or tingling; a lump or swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin; excessive sweating; unexplained or sudden gain or loss of weight; loss of appetite; unusual or severe tiredness; unexplained cough or breathlessness; a rash on the cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun; yellowing of the skin/eyes; dark-colored urine; or right-sided stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction inclue rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too muchIf overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional informationDO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.