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Remicade (infliximab)

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: October 2023 | Last updated: October 2023

Remicade® (infliximab) is a prescription biologic drug used to treat adults with plaque psoriasis that is chronic (long-term), severe, extensive, and/or disabling. It is usually recommended for people who may benefit from systemic therapy.1

Remicade is also approved to treat certain cases of:1

What are the ingredients in Remicade?

The active ingredient in Remicade is infliximab.1

How does Remicade work?

Remicade is a kind of medicine known as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. TNF is a protein made by your immune system. In people with certain autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, the immune system makes too much TNF. This leads to psoriasis symptoms like plaques, itching, and pain.1

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Remicade works by targeting and sticking to the extra TNF in your body. This helps reduce psoriasis symptoms.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Remicade include:1

  • Sinus infections
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Stomach pain
  • Infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, rash, and itching

Remicade has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because it may cause serious side effects, including:1

  • Serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and sepsis, that can lead to hospitalization or death
  • Increased risk of certain cancers, especially in children and teens

Your doctor will test you for TB before you start Remicade. Your doctor will also closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with Remicade.1

These are not all the possible side effects of Remicade. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Remicade. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Remicade.

Other things to know

Before taking Remicade, tell your doctor if you:1

  • Have a current infection or are prone to recurring infections, including open cuts
  • Have HIV, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
  • Have tested positive for TB or have been in close contact with someone who has TB
  • Have or have had hepatitis B
  • Have COPD
  • Have or have had heart problems
  • Have nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Have or have had any type of cancer

People taking Remicade should not receive certain vaccines. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.1

There is not enough data to know if Remicade is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Remicade, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They can help you decide if Remicade is right for you.1

Certain drugs can interact with Remicade, including:1

  • Actemra (tocilizumab)
  • Kineret (anakinra)
  • Orencia (abatacept)

Before beginning treatment for RA, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Remicade.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.