Infliximab

Infliximab

Infliximab emerged as the lifeblood treatment for inflammatory conditions after its approval. This biological TNF-α-inhibiting monoclonal antibody boosts and improves the Immunsystems, bringing relief to patients with moderate to severe inflammatory disorders.

The Infliximab drug has proven effective in treating many conditions. The medication helps adult and paediatric patients with Morbus Crohn, Colitis ulcerosa, rheumatoider Arthritis (combined with methotrexate), ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. 

This article offers a detailed understanding of infliximab's uses, dosing, potential side effects, and everything you need to think over when using this powerful medication.

Was ist Infliximab?

Infliximab belongs to the class of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). The drug attaches to TNF-alpha and neutralises its activity to reduce inflammation in affected tissues.

Infliximab Tablet Uses

The medication treats several autoimmune conditions with inflammation:

• Morbus Crohn 
• Colitis ulcerosa 
• Rheumatoid arthritis (in combination with methotrexate)
• Ankylosing spondylitis in adults
• Psoriatic arthritis in adults
• Severe plaque psoriasis

How and When to Use Infliximab Tablets

Doctors administer infliximab through intravenous infusion that takes at least 2 hours. Treatment starts with induction doses at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Maintenance doses follow every 8 weeks, except for ankylosing spondylitis, which needs doses every 6 weeks. Your condition determines the dosage.

Side Effects of Infliximab Tablets

Häufige Nebenwirkungen sind:

• Infektionen der Atemwege
• Kopfschmerzen
• Bauchschmerzen
• Reactions during infusion or right after treatment with symptoms like Fieber, chills, rash or breathing difficulties

Serious effects include:

• Höheres Infektionsrisiko
• Tuberculosis reactivation
• Probleme mit der Leber
• Herzfragen
• Certain cancers (rare) 

Sicherheitsvorkehrungen

• Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis and hepatitis B before you start the medication. 
• The medication affects your immune system, so you should stay away from people with infections. 
• Food safety becomes crucial - avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. 
• Live vaccines are not recommended during treatment. 
• Your doctor needs to monitor your progress regularly.

How Infliximab Tablet Works

TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) is a protein that triggers inflammation in conditions of all types. Infliximab targets and attaches to this protein to stop its harmful effects. The medication binds to TNF-alpha in both free-floating and cell-bound forms, which prevents them from connecting with their receptors.

The medication also:

• Reduces the production of other inflammatory substances like IL-1 and IL-6
• Limits white blood cell movement to inflamed areas
• Decreases the expression of molecules that make cells stick together
• Eliminates cells that produce TNF-alpha in some cases

Can I Take Infliximab with Other Medicines?

You should be careful about combining infliximab with certain medications. Extra caution is needed especially when you have:

• Azathioprin
• Kortikosteroide
• Cyclosporin 
• Lebendimpfstoffe
• Methotrexat
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin
• Other biological therapies 

Dosierungsinformationen

Doctors administer infliximab through an IV, which takes at least 2 hours. The standard treatment plan includes:

• Original doses: Weeks 0, 2, and 6
• Maintenance doses: Every 8 weeks (6 weeks if you have ankylosing spondylitis)
• Standard dosage: 3-5 mg/kg based on your condition

The medicine needs refrigeration between 2-8°C until it's time for use.

Fazit

Infliximab has been a crucial treatment option for patients with inflammatory conditions since its approval. This biological medication blocks TNF-alpha proteins and reduces inflammation throughout the body. Patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders have experienced exceptional relief through this therapy.

Infliximab offers hope to patients who previously had limited options. The medication helps countless people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, though it needs careful administration and monitoring. Healthcare teams remain the best resource to determine if this treatment suits a patient's specific situation.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

1. Is infliximab high risk?

The medication comes with specific risks that doctors monitor carefully. Your body becomes more vulnerable to infections, particularly Tuberkulose and fungal infections. Some patients have developed lymphoma and other cancers. Your doctor will evaluate your risk factors and keep track of your health regularly to manage these risks.

2. How long does infliximab take to work?

Results vary among patients. Some people feel better within 2-3 days of starting treatment. Others might need up to 6 weeks. Research shows that the majority of ulcerative colitis patients respond within eight weeks. Complete intestinal healing usually needs more time.

3. Was passiert, wenn ich eine Dosis verpasse?

You should call right away to get another appointment. The next injection will be scheduled after two weeks. Never try to make up for a missed dose by taking double.

4. Was passiert bei einer Überdosis?

No specific antidote exists for infliximab overdose. You need immediate medical help if you suspect an overdose. Medical staff will watch for bad reactions and treat your symptoms.

5. Who cannot take infliximab?

You should not take infliximab if you have:

• Active severe infections, including tuberculosis
• Allergies to infliximab or mouse proteins
• Moderate to severe heart failure 

6. When should I take infliximab?

The medication follows a specific schedule. You will get doses at weeks 0, 2, and 6, then maintenance doses every 8 weeks. Your condition helps your doctor determine the exact timing.

7. How many days to take infliximab?

Infliximab works as a long-term treatment. Patients who respond well typically continue with maintenance doses every 8 weeks. Your doctor checks regularly to see if you should continue the therapy.

8. When to stop infliximab?

You might need to stop taking infliximab if:

• You get a serious infection or sepsis
• The treatment shows no results after 12 weeks
• Your heart failure gets worse or new symptoms appear
• Your doctor sees you have reached deep clinical remission

9. Is it safe to take infliximab daily?

Infliximab isn't meant for daily use. The medication works on a specific schedule that starts with doses at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Maintenance infusions follow every 6-8 weeks based on your condition. Taking it daily could increase serious side effects without any extra benefits.

10. What is the best time to take infliximab?

Your healthcare facility's schedule determines the timing since infliximab needs intravenous administration in a clinical setting for 2+ hours. Most patients find morning appointments work best. Medical staff can monitor any immediate reactions throughout the day.

11. What to avoid when taking infliximab?

Vermeiden Sie Folgendes:

• Live vaccines (including MMR, chickenpox, yellow fever)
• People who have infections
• Raw or undercooked foods with harmful bacteria
• Too much sun exposure, as it increases the skin cancer risk

12. Does infliximab cause weight gain?

Weight changes aren't common side effects. Notwithstanding that, some patients notice weight fluctuations. A balanced diet and regular exercise remain essential during treatment.

13. What foods should you avoid while taking infliximab?

Your diet doesn't need specific restrictions. However, you should protect your immune system by avoiding:

• Unpasteurised dairy products
• Rohe Eier
• Unwashed fruits/vegetables
• Undercooked meat or seafood