Remicade (Infliximab)
Provider Summary
Primary Uses
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis per diagnosis and payer criteria.
Mechanism of action
Chimeric anti‑TNF‑α monoclonal antibody that binds TNF‑α and reduces inflammatory signaling.
Pre-treatment / baseline requirements
Baseline TB testing and hepatitis B screening; baseline CBC and CMP/LFTs; review history of recurrent infections and heart failure; consider baseline dermatologic exam for skin cancer risk; review vaccination status; pregnancy status when applicable. Infusion reaction preparedness (premeds per ordering clinician).
Common side effects
Infusion reactions, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory infection, rash.
Serious adverse effects / key risks
Boxed warning: serious infections (including TB and invasive fungal/opportunistic infections) and malignancy; HBV reactivation; severe infusion reactions/hypersensitivity; demyelinating disease; worsening heart failure; cytopenias; lupus-like syndrome.
Clinical notes
Requires infusion monitoring and infection risk counseling.
Referral requirements
Standard infusion referral form + drug-specific checklist
Patient & Caregiver Education
What it treats
Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
How it works
Targets IL‑23 to reduce inflammation.
Before treatment
Tell your clinician if you have an active infection/fever, are pregnant/planning pregnancy, or have major heart/nerve problems. Depending on the medication, you may need labs or screening tests (e.g., TB/hepatitis) and a vaccine review.
Common side effects
Upper respiratory infection, injection-site reactions, diarrhea.
Get urgent help for
Serious infections; hypersensitivity.
On treatment day
plan to stay for monitoring. If you feel dizzy, drowsy, or unwell afterward, do not drive and follow your clinician’s instructions.