Infliximab: what it is for, how to use it and side effects

Infliximab is an anti-rheumatic monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or Crohn’s disease, for example.

This medicine works by blocking the action of the TNF-alpha protein, which is related to chronic inflammatory processes in the body, and, in this way, helps to reduce the symptoms of these diseases and improve the quality of life.

Infliximab can be provided free of charge by the SUS, or provided by health plans, found under the trade name Remicade, in powder form, containing 100 mg of infliximab, which must be diluted and applied directly into the vein, in hospitals or specialized clinics, by a nurse, under medical supervision.

What is it for

Infliximab is indicated for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Psoriatic arthritis;
• Ankylosing spondylitis;
• Psoriasis;
• Crohn’s disease in adults or children;
• Fistulizing Crohn’s disease;
• Ulcerative colitis;
• Ulcerative colitis.

Infliximab helps reduce inflammation in the body, improve mucosal healing, prevent joint damage, reduce symptoms of these diseases and improve quality of life.

This remedy should only be used with medical advice, for the duration of treatment advised by the doctor, according to the condition to be treated.

How to use

Infliximab must be applied by a nurse in hospitals, specialized clinics or health centers, intravenously, that is, directly into the vein, under medical supervision.

Typically recommended doses for adults over the age of 18 vary depending on the condition being treated and include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: the normally recommended initial dose is 3 mg per kg of body weight, administered over at least 2 hours. This dose can be increased by the doctor to up to 10 mg per kg of body weight;
• Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis or Crohn’s disease, colitis or ulcerative colitis: the normally recommended dose is 5 mg per kg of body weight, administered for at least 2 hours.

In the case of treating Crohn’s disease in children aged between 6 and 17 years, the normally recommended dose is 5 mg per kg of body weight, and this dose can be increased by the pediatrician to up to 10 mg per kg of body weight, depending on with the response to treatment.

Doses must always be indicated and calculated by the doctor and can be repeated, in weeks 2, 6 or 8 after the first dose, depending on the condition being treated. After administering infliximab, the doctor must ask you to wait 1 hour in the hospital to monitor whether or not allergic reactions appear.

Storage Care

Infliximab must be stored under refrigeration, at a temperature between 2 and 8ºC.

If a person seeks infliximab provided by the SUS, it is important to take a Styrofoam container or thermal bag with ice to transport this medicine.

If the administration is not carried out on the same day as the infliximab, when you get home, you must remove the medicine from the Styrofoam or thermal bag and store it in the refrigerator. It is advisable not to store it in the refrigerator door, as constantly opening and closing the door can cause temperature variations in the infliximab.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects of infliximab are allergic reactions during or up to 2 hours after administration of the medication, which can be noticed through symptoms such as:

• Fever;
• Chills;
• Chest pain;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Shortness of breathe;
• Decrease or increase in blood pressure;
• Redness, itching and swelling of the skin.

These symptoms must be reported immediately to the nurse or doctor so that first aid can be provided immediately.

Infliximab can also cause delayed allergic reactions, about 3 to 12 days after administration, causing symptoms such as fever, skin redness, headache, muscle or joint pain, swelling in the hands or face, or difficulty swallowing. If these symptoms are present, you should seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room.

Furthermore, infliximab can decrease the body’s ability to fight infections, leaving the body more vulnerable or worsening existing infections.

Who shouldn’t use

Infliximab should not be used by children under 6 years of age, or by people who have infections, such as pneumonia, sepsis or abscesses, or by people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula.

In addition, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with hepatitis B, heart failure, cancer, lung or nervous system diseases, or who have a smoking habit should only use infliximab after careful medical evaluation of the risks and benefits of the drug. treatment.