Infliximab (Systemic)

Brand Names : Remicade, cA2

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For infliximab, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to infliximab or to rodents (such as rats or mice). Mouse cells are used in the preparation of infliximab. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Studies have not been done in either humans or animals. It is not known if infliximab causes harmful effects on the fetus. Before receiving this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether infliximab passes into breast milk. Because of the risk of harmful effects in the nursing baby, it may be necessary for you to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of infliximab in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of infliximab in the elderly with use in other age groups. However, older adults generally get more infections than do younger adults, and it is not known if infliximab may affect the number of infections that older people get.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of infliximab. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease - Infliximab is not recommended for patients with a certain type of heart disease called congestive heart failure.
• Infection - Infliximab is not recommended for patients with an active infection. Caution should be used if you have a chronic infection or history of a recurring infection.

• Inactive tuberculosis infection - Should be treated before starting infliximab therapy.