Remicade Injection

Remicade Injection is used for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), skin (psoriasis), and bowel (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). It reduces inflammation in these conditions by blocking TNF alpha.

Remicade Injection is given as an infusion (slow drip) into a vein under the supervision of a doctor. You will be monitored while you are given this medicine. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Make sure that you turn up for all your injections as per the schedule advised by your doctor. Taking this medicine regularly will greatly help to relieve your symptoms.

The most common side effects seen with this medicine include headache, sinus inflammation, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, and pharyngitis (pain or irritation in the throat). Some people may experience fever, chills, sweating, etc. due to an infusion reaction while this medicine is administered. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or bother you. You may get infections more easily when you are being treated with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of an infection like fever, cough, rash, loose stools, or flu-like symptoms.

Before the start of treatment, let your doctor know if you have heart failure or tuberculosis or another serious infection like pneumonia or if you the hepatitis B virus. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before using this medicine. Some other medicines may react with this medicine so talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking as well. During treatment, your doctor will advise some tests to monitor your blood cell counts and track your progress.

There is a Patient Support Program/Patient Assistance Program available in India for this medicine, being managed by Tata 1mg. Please contact your prescribing doctor to know more about the same. You may also call on (1800-102-1618) for more details.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriasis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease

Rheumatoid arthritis
Remicade Injection reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints and slows down the progression of bone and joint damage. This will help you do normal daily activities more easily and thus improve your quality of life. The medicine is given as an injection is given by a doctor or nurse and should not be self- administered.

Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare type of arthritis that affects the spine or larger joints. It usually starts in your lower back and can spread up to your neck or damage joints in other parts of your body. Remicade Injection helps reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in your spine and joints. It helps improve flexibility and prevents disease progression. This will help you lead a better and active life.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly and form scales and dry patches. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Remicade Injection reduces the scaly, itchy patches which may develop on the different parts of the body. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine (colon) and rectum in which the lining of the bowel becomes red and swollen. This can lead to bleeding, frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. It relieves these symptoms and also helps you to stay well by preventing them from coming back. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking on treatment with this medicine to make sure you stay hydrated.

Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in your abdomen. Remicade Injection helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Remicade

• Headache
• Sinus inflammation
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Infusion reaction
• Abdominal pain
• Sore throat

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Remicade Injection is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein in immune system called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) that causes inflammation (pain and swelling) in joints.

• Remicade Injection is injected into a vein (intravenous infusion) under the supervision of a doctor. It is usually administered at 0, 2, 6 weeks and then once every 8 weeks.

• It may take some time before you start to feel better after getting this medicine. However, it is important that you do not miss any dose and show up for your next infusion as per the schedule advised by your doctor.

• Remicade Injection can make it difficult for your body to fight infections. Inform your doctor if you notice any fever, cough, runny nose, rash, loose stools or flu-like symptoms.

• Inform your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if you have been in close contact with someone who has or had tuberculosis. Your doctor may advise you certain tests to screen for tuberculosis before starting treatment with this medicine.

• Inform your doctor if you have or ever had the hepatitis B virus infection. Your doctor may test you for hepatitis B virus before starting treatment with this medicine.

• You may be advised regular blood tests to monitor blood counts while taking this medication.

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