Remicade® Infusions
What is Remicade®?
Remicade is a medicine that is commonly used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and is particularly helpful to those patients who have not responded well to other treatment methods in the past. Remicade was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Crohn’s disease in 1998.
* Click here to print a Patient Resource Guide from Remicade®
How does Remicade® work inside the body?
Remicade is a type of protein that recognizes and blocks the action of a substance in your body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is a chemical messenger what works within the immune system to signal others cells to cause inflammation. Remicade will help to lower the amount of TNF-alpha to more normal levels, and thus reducing inflammation of cells. While Remicade will not cure Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it may reduce inflammation caused by TNF in your body.
How is Remicade® administered to the patient?
Remicade will be given to you by a healthcare professional, and will be administered intravenously. This means that the medicine will be given to you through a vein in your arm. The procedure will take approximately two hours. During this time, and for some time after the procedure, you will be monitored by a healthcare professional.
How often should I receive Remicade Infusions?
If you are receiving Remicade infusions for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, you will most likely receive your first three doses of Remicade within six weeks (your first dose followed by additional doses of Remicade at two and six weeks after the first dose). Following your third dose, you may receive a dose of Remicade every eight weeks. Your physician will monitor your progress and may alter the amount of Remicade you receive.
If you are receiving Remicade infusions for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, you will receive your first dose followed by additional doses at two and six weeks after your first dose. You will then receive a dose every eight weeks or as indicated by your physician.
What are some common side effects?
- Infusion reactions (fever, chill, rash)
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Coughing
- Stomach pain
- Sore throat
- Itching
These side effects are generally mild and do not typically cause patients to stop taking Remicade infusions. Remicade, like other medications that affect your immune system, is a very strong medicine and is capable of causing serious side effects. Please inform a nurse clinician if you are having strong reactions to Remicade or if you have any questions about your treatment.
Related websites and resources:
- What is Crohn’s disease?
- What is ulcerative colitis?
- Remicade.Com
- Psoriasis.Com
- GIHealth.Com
- MedicineNet.Com
- More GI disorders and procedures
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
