Infliximab IV

In Depth

Generic Name: INFLIXIMAB - INJECTION
Pronounced: (in-FLICKS-ih-mab)

Infliximab IV Warning

This medication can decrease your body's ability to fight an infection. This effect can lead to very serious (possibly fatal) infections (e.g., fungal infections, tuberculosis). You should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test before starting this medication. Also tell your doctor your medical history, especially of past/recent/current infections. You should also tell your doctor if you have lived or traveled in areas where certain infections (e.g., coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common or if you have been near someone with tuberculosis.

In patients taking infliximab along with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine for the treatment of Crohn's disease, there have been rare reports of an extremely rare, often fatal cancer (hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes.

Infliximab IV Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Headache, stomach pain, or nausea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

pain/swelling at injection site
joint/muscle pain

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

swelling ankles/feet
easy bruising/bleeding
vision changes
seizures
confusion
muscle weakness
numbness/tingling of arms/legs
butterfly-shaped facial rash
chest pain
pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs
shortness of breath
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Most cases occur 2 weeks to more than a year after starting infliximab. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including dark urine, extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or yellowing eyes/skin.

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