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What is Remicade
 Remicade
reduces the effects of a substance in the body called tumor
necrosis factor alpha. Tumor necrosis factor alpha is involved
in inflammatory processes in the body.
Remicade
is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's
disease.
Remicade
may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
General medical information about Remicade
Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported
to occur during treatment with Remicade. Contact your doctor
immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever
or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs
of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound;
or burning or difficult urination.
Treatment with
an immunosuppressant such as Remicade may increase the risk
of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma).
Treatment with Remicade may also increase the risk of developing
an autoimmune disorder such as a lupus-like syndrome. Talk
to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Remicade
Do not use Remicade without first talking to your
doctor if you have
- an active infection or a history
of recurrent infections; or
- congestive heart failure.
Before using Remicade, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
-
cancer; or
- an autoimmune disorder such as lupus.
You may not be able to use Remicade, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Remicade
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
unlikely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Remicade
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is
not known whether Remicade passes into breast milk. Do not
use Remicade without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Remicade Since Remicade is given by intravenous infusion,
in most cases it will be administered by a healthcare professional.
If Remicade is being administered at home, special training
will be provided regarding administration. Do not administer
Remicade if you are unsure how to properly do so, how much
to administer, or how often to administer the medication.
Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions
with you.
Your doctor may perform tests for tuberculosis
or other infections before starting treatment with Remicade.
If you are storing Remicade at home, it should be
kept in the refrigerator (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit or
2 to 8 degrees Celsius). Do not allow the product to freeze
and do not use it beyond the expiration date.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Remicade.
What happens if you overdose: Contact your doctor if an overdose of Remicade is
suspected. An overdose of Remicade is unlikely to be harmful.
What should you avoid while using Remicade Remicade can lower the activity of the immune system
making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with
people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses
and do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Remicade without first talking to your doctor. In addition,
avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated
with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can
be passed on to you. Contact your doctor immediately if
you develop signs of infection.
Possible side effects of Remicade Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported
to occur during treatment with Remicade. Contact your doctor
immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever
or chills; sore throat, coughing, congestion or other signs
of infection; redness, pain, or swelling of a skin wound;
or burning or difficult urination.
Treatment with
an immunosuppressant such as Remicade may increase the risk
of developing certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma).
Treatment with Remicade may also increase the risk of developing
an autoimmune disorder such as a lupus-like syndrome. Talk
to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Remicade and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
or
- chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Contact your doctor if you develop
- headache;
- muscle or joint pain;
- rash or itching;
- fatigue; or
- nausea or vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Remicade Do not receive "live" vaccinations during
treatment with Remicade. Administration of a live vaccine
may cause an infection or be ineffective during treatment
with Remicade.
Other
medications may interact with Remicade or affect your condition.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription
or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products,
during treatment with Remicade. |
