About infiliximab
TNF-alpha inhibitor biologic
Used for
- Rheumatoid arthritis, with methotrexate
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis
- Plaque psoriasis
Usual adult dose
Usually 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion at weeks 0, 2 and 6, then every 8 weeks; dose varies by condition.
Usual dose in children
For Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, usually 5 mg/kg intravenously at weeks 0, 2 and 6, then every 8 weeks; specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Infusion reactions, headache, or respiratory infections
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Serious infections, including tuberculosis
- Rarely, severe allergic reactions or liver problems
Important warnings
- Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before treatment.
- Avoid starting during a serious infection; treatment can increase infection risk.
- May worsen heart failure and rarely cause nerve disorders or blood problems.
- Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; discuss timing with a specialist, as it crosses the placenta later in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because transfer into milk is low; confirm with a clinician.
Interactions
- Do not combine with live vaccines.
- Avoid combining with other biologic immunosuppressants, such as anakinra or abatacept.
- Methotrexate is commonly used alongside infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.