About infliximab
TNF-alpha inhibitor biologic
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 and schedule vary 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 respiratory infections
- Serious infections, including tuberculosis
- Liver problems or blood-cell disorders
- Rarely, lupus-like illness or certain cancers
Important warnings
- Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before treatment.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment; assess vaccination needs beforehand.
- Serious infections may require stopping treatment.
- Seek urgent care for severe allergic reactions or signs of infection.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; discuss timing with a healthcare professional. Infant live vaccines may need to be delayed after exposure during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Infliximab enters breast milk in very small amounts; available evidence suggests low risk, but discuss with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Do not combine with other biologic immune suppressants, such as anakinra or abatacept.
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines may 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.