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Remicade, also known by its drug name infliximab, is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate. Here are some key points about Remicade:

Mechanism of Action
- Function: Show Full Answer

Remicade, also known by its drug name infliximab, is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate. Here are some key points about Remicade:

Mechanism of Action:
- Function: Remicade is a genetically engineered antibody.
- Target: It attaches to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks.
- Action: By binding to TNF-α, Remicade prevents it from signaling the immune system to attack the body’s connective tissues.

Administration:
- Form: Available in vial form.
- Method: Administered as an intravenous infusion.
- Frequency: Every four or eight weeks after initial loading doses.

Side Effects:
- Common: Infections, infusion-related reactions, headache, and abdominal pain.
- Serious: Severe infections, increased risk for lymphoma, hepatitis B virus reactivation, liver damage, heart failure, low blood cell counts, lupus-like syndrome, and nerve damage.

Clinical Trials and Approval:
- ATTRACT Trial: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial involving 428 patients at 34 clinical sites. At week 30, 50% of patients treated with Remicade and methotrexate achieved an ACR 20 response criteria compared to 20% of patients receiving methotrexate alone.
- FDA Approval: Initially approved for use with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. Later approved as a first-line treatment for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis based on the ASPIRE trial, which showed that early intervention with Remicade plus methotrexate was superior to methotrexate alone in preventing the progression of structural damage.

Additional Information:
- Biosimilar: Remsima is a biosimilar of Remicade, meaning it is highly similar to Remicade and works in the same way.

For more details, you can visit the following resources:
- [Remicade — Janssen](https://www.remicade.com/)
- [Remicade (Infliximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis | myRAteam](https://www.myrateam.com/treatments/remicade)
- [Infliximab (Remicade) Receives FDA Approval for Rheumatoid Arthritis • Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center](https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news...)
- [Infliximab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604023.html)

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

 This AI-generated response comes from myRAteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Remicade (Infliximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis | myRAteam

Infliximab (Remicade) Now Approved as First-Line Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis • Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center