Remicade (generic name: infliximab) is a medication used to manage rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis (form of inflammatory bowel disease affecting your large intestine and colon) and Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of your digestive tract from your mouth to your anus). It can also treat psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the pelvic and spinal joints). Remicade is given as an intravenous (through the vein) infusion (method in which medicine is given slowly) of 3 mg per kilogram of patient's weight every six to eight weeks, says the National Library of Medicine.
Routine Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Remicade can cause such common side effects as nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, back pain and a runny nose. It can also cause flushing and the formation of white patches in your mouth. Remicade can also lead to vaginal itching, pain and burning. These symptoms are rather harmless but call your doctor when you experience them. She may adjust your dosage and these side effects may subside.
Infusion Reaction
In a study of 4,779 patients suffering from the aforementioned medical conditions, the National Library of Medicine says that 20 percent of patients receiving Remicade developed a serious infusion reaction. Specifically, 3 percent of patients developed chills and a fever and 1 percent developed trouble breathing, chest pain and low or high blood pressure. The National Library of Medicine also says that less than 1 percent of patients developed itching, convulsions and a skin rash. Of this study, 3 percent stopped Remicade treatment after developing these symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about having an infusion reaction.
Other Hazardous Side Effects
Drugs.com says that other dangerous side effects include a chronic cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), peripheral edema (swelling of your feet and ankles), shortness of breath and numbness or weakness of your extremities. Other serious side effects include visual problems, pain with urination, stomach pain, fever and dark urine. Remicade can also cause jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the white parts of your eyes). Typically, this is indicative of liver problems. This medication can also lower your platelet counts (substance in your blood necessary for clotting) and lead to easy bleeding and bruising.
The National Library of Medicine says that Remicade also puts you at high risk for developing infections such as sepsis (bacterial infection of your blood), tuberculosis and fungal infections. Remicade may also cause a rare T-cell lymphoma (type of cancer). Talk to your doctor about these serious side effects.
Contraindications
The National Library of Medicine warns that a Remicade dose of greater than 5 mg per kg of weight should not be given to patients suffering from heart failure. Doing so, may result in chest pain (angina), dyspnea (shortness of breath), low blood pressure or even death.
Do not use Remicade if you are allergic to its components. Serious side effects include difficulty breathing and hives. Swelling of your lips, tongue and face can also occur.
MedlinePlus warns that you should tell your doctor if you are taking such medications as etanercept and anakinra or suffering from such conditions like multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These drugs and conditions may increase Remicade's side effects or make it less effective.
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