BIOLOGIC, DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG (DMARD)
Overview
Remicade is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methotrexate. Remicade is also referred to by its drug name, infliximab.
Remicade is considered a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is a genetically engineered antibody used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. Remicade is believed to work by attaching to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a cellular chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks. Remicade binds to TNF-α and prevents it from signaling the immune system to attack the body’s connective tissues.
How do I take it?
Remicade is administered as an intravenous infusion every four or eight weeks after initial loading doses.
Remicade is available in vial form.
Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Remicade lists common side effects including infections, infusion-related reactions, headache, and abdominal pain.
Rare but serious side effects listed for Remicade include severe infections, increased risk for lymphoma, hepatitis B virus reactivation, liver damage, heart failure, low blood cell counts, lupus-like syndrome, and nerve damage.
For more details about this treatment, visit:
Remicade — Janssen
https://www.remicade.com/