TNF-alpha is actually a cytokine which plays a role in the inflammatory process. A cytokine goes between cells in the body delivering chemical "messages."
How is Remicade Taken?
Remicade is given as an infusion through an IV line in a hospital or doctor's office setting. The infusion is given slowly over several (usually 2 more more) hours. The doctor will provide any special instructions that are necessary before the infusion.Why is Remicade Prescribed?
Remicade may be prescribed for both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Remicade is also approved for use in children over the age of 6 who have moderate to severe Crohn's disease. It may also be given for people with Crohn's who have fistulas and for some forms of rheumatoid arthritis.Remicade bonds to TNF-alpha, preventing it from causing inflammation. This can help induce remission from Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
Who Should Not Take Remicade?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions:- Allergic reactions to any medication
- Cancer
- Currently pregnant
- Infections
- Lupus
- Recent vaccination
What Are the Side Effects?
Common side effects of Remicade include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. Tell your doctor if any side effects are bothersome or don't go away.
Rarely other, more serious side effects can occur, such as difficulty urinating, infection, irregular heartbeat and rectal pain. See the Remicade side effects page for a complete list.
What Medications Can Remicade Interact With?
Remicade has not been extensively studied for drug interactions. During clinical trials of Remicade, some patients were already taking antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), 6-MP/AZA and aminosalicylates. These patients did not experience a greater amount of infusion reactions as those who were not taking any other drugs.Are There Any Food Interactions?
There are no known food interactions.
Is Remicade Safe During Pregnancy?
The FDA has classified Remicade as a type B drug. The effect that Remicade has on an unborn child has not been studied extensively. Remicade should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Notify the prescribing doctor if you become pregnant while taking Remicade. It is not known if Remicade passes into breast milk, however other similar substances have been shown to pass into breast milk. The potential for serious side effects in an infant should be weighed against the usefulness of the medication to the mother. Another option is to discontinue breastfeeding before administering Remicade.
How Long Can Remicade Be Taken Safely?
Remicade is a newer drug -- it was approved in 1998. Therefore, no long-term information is known.
How Can I Get Help Paying for Remicade?
Centocor has a Patient Assistance Program to help in getting medical coverage for Remicade. Help may also be available from local IBD organizations.Sources:
Remicade.com. "How Remicade Works." Centocor, Inc 22 Jan 08. May 23 2008.
Rutgeerts P, Sandborn WJ, Feagan BG, Reinisch W, Olson A, Johanns J, Travers S, Rachmilewitz D, Hanauer SB, Lichtenstein GR, de Villiers WJ, Present D, Sands BE, Colombel JF. "Infliximab for induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis." N Engl J Med 8 Dec 2005;353:2462-2476. May 23 2008.
Sands B, Anderson F, Bernstein C, Chey W, Feagan B, Fedorak R, Kamm M, Korzenik J, Lashner B, Onken J, Rachmilewitz D, Rutgeerts P, Wild G, Wolf D, Marsters P, Travers S, Blank M, van Deventer S (2004). "Infliximab maintenance therapy for fistulizing Crohn's disease." N Engl J Med 26 Feb 2004;350: 876-885. May 23 2008.
