You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to infliximab or murine proteins, or if you have a serious infection or a history of congestive heart failure
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will need to remain in place for at least 2 hours.
If a dose is missed:
Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.
Storage:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After the medicine has been mixed with water, use it right away. Do not store any unused mixture.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran®), mercaptopurine (Purinethol®), or other medicines that can weaken your immune system.
Tell your doctor if you have received infliximab before.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving infliximab. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an infection of any kind, multiple sclerosis or similar illness, or a history of recurring infections or tuberculosis.
Avoid people who are sick or have infections.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Fever, chills, or night sweats
Headache or sinus pain
Joint redness, pain, or swelling, unusual skin rash
Lightheadedness or fainting
Pain when urinating or blood in your urine
Sore throat, muscle aches, swelling in your hands or face
