According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), Remicade is the brand name of the drug infliximab, a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions impacting the joints, skin and digestive system. EMedTV.com identifies some of the conditions the drug is supposed to help, including ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Remicade is administered via injection.
Injection Site Side Effects
It is possible to experience discomfort at the site of injection, including bruising, swelling, tenderness and bleeding. These effects are not attributed directly to Remicade, but to the needle used to administer the drug.
More Common Side Effects
Drugs.com states that some users may develop abdominal pain, chest pain, chills, cough, dizziness, fainting, fever or flushing of the face after an injection of Remicade. These should subside over time, but if they do not, it is important to seek medical attention. Other common reactions to the drug include headache, hives, itching, muscle pain, nasal congestion, nausea, runny nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, sore throat, chest tightening, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or tiredness, vomiting and/or wheezing. Many of these side effects are associated with a secondary infection, which eMedTV.com points out occurs in up to 74 percent of patients who use Remicade. Anemia occurs in up to 11 percent of users, heartburn in up to 11 percent and blood in the stool in up to 10 percent of cases. Any of these effects should be reported to a doctor.
Less Common Side Effects
Drugs.com suggests users may experience kidney, liver or other problems of the organs from using Remicade. Note any back pain, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, difficult or painful urination, and/or frequent urge to urinate. Other less common side effects include cracks in the skin near the corners of the mouth, blood pressure increase or decrease, unusual pain, tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones, skin rash, soreness or irritation of the mouth or tongue, vaginal burning or itching, unusual vaginal discharge, or white lesions on the mouth or tongue. Any of these effects can also be attributed to a secondary infection (vaginal, urinary tract or in the throat).
Rare Side Effects
Rare side effects include swollen, red, tender infected skin area that contains pus, pain in the back, pain in the side, black stools, tarry stools, bone or joint pain, fullness, general illness feelings, heartbeat irregularities, pain in the rectum, severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual weight loss or jaundice.
Potential Side Effects
There are numerous other potential side effects of Remicade use, but their rate of incidence is unknown, explains Drugs.com. Examples include vomiting blood, bad breath, ulcers or sores in the mouth, sudden numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, seizures, pale skin, muscle spasms, noisy breathing, appetite changes, light-colored stools or facial swelling. Report any unusual side effects or side effects not discussed by your doctor, as it can be a sign of something more serious.
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