About infliximab + vial
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker
Used for
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis, usually with methotrexate
- 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.
Common side effects
- Infusion reactions, headache, or abdominal pain
- Infections, including respiratory infections
- Nausea or rash
- Rarely, serious allergic reactions or liver problems
Important warnings
- Can cause serious infections, including tuberculosis; screening is needed before treatment.
- May reactivate hepatitis B; screening is recommended.
- Rarely linked to cancers and severe liver, blood, or nervous-system problems.
- Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; discuss risks and timing with the treating specialist. Infant live vaccines may need delaying after exposure during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; available evidence suggests low risk, but discuss with a clinician.
Interactions
- Avoid combining with other biologic immune suppressants, such as anakinra or abatacept.
- Live vaccines may cause infection during treatment.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines can increase infection risk.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.