Remicade is an FDA-approved medication that helps treats treat specific kinds of diseases and medical conditions. Continue reading to better understand how — and how long — it takes to work.
What is Remicade?
Remicade is an intravenous infusion that helps treat certain autoimmune diseases (where the immune system of the body attacks healthy tissues and organs). It falls under a class of drugs referred to as TNF blockers, Antipsoriatics, Systemic; DMARDS, Immunosuppressants, and inflammatory bowel disease agents.
This prescription medication is used to treat symptoms of the following conditions:
Remicade is passed into the body intravenously. Biosimilars (drugs made with similar active ingredients) of Remicade include Inflectra and Reflenix.
Before receiving Remicade, you should inform your doctor if you have any infections, if you are at risk of infection, or if you are being treated for an infection.
READ MORE: Inflectra vs Remicade: What's The Difference?
How does Remicade work?
In the above conditions, the immune system is fighting against healthy tissues. Remicade works by blocking the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is one of the regulators of inflammatory responses. Once introduced, Remicade helps reduce inflammation by weakening the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy tissues.
READ MORE: How Much Does Remicade Infusion Cost?
How long will I be on Remicade?
Depending on what you're treating, you may be on Remicade for several weeks to several months. For some conditions like IBD, you may need to be on Remicade for the long term, in which case you’ll need constant reassessment to confirm its continued efficacy.
Ultimately, only your doctor can give you a specific timeframe for how long you’ll need to be on Remicade.
Timeline for Remicade administration
Remicade’s first infusion happens in no less than two hours at the infusion center. Premedication could include acetaminophen. The dosage is determined by your weight, medical history, and treatment response. Following the first dose, the next dose is taken two weeks later, then another dose is administered in six weeks. From there, a maintenance dose is administered every eight weeks (or every six weeks for Ankylosing spondylitis), as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Common side effects of Remicade
Some common side effects include:
The above side effects are typically mild and will resolve within a couple of days or weeks. If that's not the case, please speak with your healthcare professional.
If you have questions about the potential for rare but more serious side effects (shortness of breath, nervous system disorders, worsening psoriasis, allergic reactions, chest pain, joint pain, lupus-like syndrome, lymphoma, skin cancer, heart failure, serious infections, fungal infections, hepatitis b reactivation), let your dedicated Infusion Guide know.
There is insufficient information on the concomitant use of Remicade with biological therapeutics used in treating the same medical conditions that Remicade treats. Live vaccines should also not be given to patients receiving anti-TNF therapy.
Also, infections and serious infections may be caused by the interaction of Remicade with drugs like Orencia (abatacept) and anakinra.
READ MORE: Remicade Infusion: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Interested in learning more about the administration of Remicade at Local Infusion?
If Remicade is part of your autoimmune disease treatment plan, then consider Local Infusion for your ongoing care. We make it possible to receive therapy in a modern, state-of-the-art center with private suites thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind.
You also get a dedicated Infusion Guide to support you on your treatment journey every step of the way, including answering any questions, handling prior authorization, providing information on how to access financial support, and more.
READ MORE: Why Local Infusion