Infliximab is an antirheumatic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in 1998 for treating Rheumatoid arthritis.

Infliximab is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, primarily autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis.

Infliximab can be administered only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Infliximab are upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, pain in joints, muscles or back, difficulty breathing, chest pain, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, bruising, flushing, nosebleed, feeling tired, depression, difficulty sleeping, eye problems, fast heartbeat, hair loss, tingling sensation or numbness. Some serious side effects include serious infections (TB, blood infections, fungal infections), low blood counts, and possible signs of cancer (weight loss, fever, changes in moles or skin coloring, unusual vaginal bleeding).

If you are allergic to Infliximab or any other ingredients, you should not use this medication. Individuals who are allergic (hypersensitive) to proteins that come from mice should not receive this drug. If you have active tuberculosis (TB) or another severe infection like pneumonia or sepsis, this drug should not be used, as it may weaken the immune system and exacerbate these infections.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking Infliximab. It will be given only if needed. If you received this medicine while you are pregnant, inform your baby’s physician before your baby is given any vaccine. Before you start breastfeeding, your last treatment must be at least six months ago. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fluid loss. It's necessary to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths when using Infliximab to address diarrhea. Proper hydration helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes and supports the body's recovery.

1. Janssen Biologics BV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed on 27th Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3831.pdf
2. Janssen Biotech, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Nov 2013] [ Accessed on 27th Sep 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/103772s5359lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants, tolerogens, and immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1018.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.