Monograph Details

Gastrointestinal Tract > Colorectal disorders
REMICADE
Manufacturer
Centocor, Inc.
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Tumor necrosis factor-α blocker.
Generic Name
Infliximab 100mg/vial; pwd for IV infusion after reconstitution and dilution; preservative-free.
Indications
In moderately-to-severely active Crohn's disease: to reduce signs/symptoms and to induce and maintain clinical remission in adult and pediatric patients with inadequate response to conventional therapy. In fistulizing Crohn's disease: to reduce number of draining enterocutaneous and rectovaginal fistula(s); and maintain fistula closure in adults. In moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis: to reduce signs/symptoms, to induce and maintain clinical remission and mucosal healing, and to eliminate corticosteroid use in patients with inadequate response to conventional therapy.
Children
Give by IV infusion over at least 2 hours. Active Crohn's disease:<6yrs: not recommended. ≥6yrs: 5mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, then once every 8 weeks.
Adults
Give by IV infusion over at least 2 hours. Crohn's disease: 5mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, then once every 8 weeks; if relapse, may increase to 10mg/kg; discontinue if no response by week 14. Ulcerative colitis: 5mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, then once every 8 weeks. Both: max 5mg/kg in CHF.
Contraindications
Moderate or severe CHF. Clinically important, active infection. Concurrent live vaccines. Allergy to murine proteins. Concurrent anakinra: not recommended.
Precautions
Chronic or history of recurring infections or hematological abnormalities. Conditions that predispose to infection. Monitor closely if new infection, reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), or blood dyscrasias develop; discontinue if serious infection, sepsis, HBV reactivation, or hematological abnormality develops. Discontinue if lupus-like syndrome with antibody formation, serious hypersensitivity reactions, or jaundice with liver enzymes ≥5xULN occurs. Mild CHF; discontinue if CHF occurs or worsens. CNS demyelinating or seizure disorders; discontinue if significant CNS effects occur. Malignancies. Test for tuberculosis; treat TB first. Children: complete vaccinations before starting therapy (see literature). Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Adverse Reactions
Infection, infusion reactions, headache, GI upset, fatigue, cough, fever, pain, dizziness, rash, pruritus, CHF, antibody formation; rare: malignancies (eg, lymphoma), optic neuritis, seizures, lupus-like syndrome, blood dyscrasias, hepatotoxicity; also children: blood in stool, bone fracture, respiratory tract allergic reaction.
How Supplied
Single-use vials—1