WARNING

Inflectra is a medication that contains the active ingredient infliximab, which is used to treat certain autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While Inflectra can be effective in managing these conditions, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with its use. Here are some brief risks:

• Infections: Inflectra can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and opportunistic infections.
• Allergic reactions: Inflectra can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, rash, itching, swelling, and dizziness.
• Cancer: There have been reports of an increased risk of certain types of cancers, such as lymphoma and skin cancers, in patients treated with Inflectra. However, the overall risk is relatively low.
• Heart failure: Inflectra may worsen or cause heart failure in some individuals, particularly those with a history of heart disease.
• Liver problems: Inflectra has been associated with liver injury, including hepatitis and liver failure. Regular monitoring of liver function is typically recommended during treatment.
• Blood disorders: Inflectra can affect blood cell counts, leading to anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count. Regular blood tests are often necessary to monitor these parameters.
• Neurological disorders: Rare cases of neurological disorders, including demyelinating diseases and seizures, have been reported in patients receiving Inflectra.

It’s important to note that the above risks are not exhaustive, and individual experiences may vary. Before starting Inflectra or any medication, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific medical history, risk factors, and potential benefits of treatment. They will be best equipped to provide detailed and personalized information about the risks and benefits associated with Inflectra in your particular case.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Inflectra is a medication that contains the active ingredient infliximab. It is prescribed for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases. Inflectra belongs to a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Here are some of the conditions for which Inflectra may be prescribed:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflectra is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded well to other medications. It helps reduce pain, swelling, and joint damage associated with this condition.
• Crohn’s disease: Inflectra is prescribed to manage moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in both adult and pediatric patients. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
• Ulcerative colitis: Inflectra is used to induce and maintain remission in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, another form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Inflectra is prescribed for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis. It helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with this condition.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Inflectra is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It helps relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints of the spine and other areas.

How should this medicine be used?

here is some general information on how Inflectra is typically used:

• Administration: Inflectra is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. The infusion is typically given in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or an infusion center.
• Dosing schedule: The dosing schedule for Inflectra can vary depending on the condition being treated. The initial treatment may involve several infusions over a few weeks, followed by maintenance infusions given at regular intervals. The exact dosing schedule will be determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.
• Preparation: Inflectra is supplied as a powder in a vial and needs to be reconstituted and diluted before administration. This should be done by a healthcare professional who is trained in the proper handling and preparation of IV medications.
• Monitoring: While receiving Inflectra treatment, regular monitoring is essential to ensure its effectiveness and to watch for any potential side effects. This may include blood tests and other evaluations as determined by the healthcare professional.
• Other medications: In some cases, Inflectra may be used in combination with other medications to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional carefully and attend all scheduled appointments to receive the full benefits of Inflectra treatment. If you have any specific questions or concerns about using Inflectra, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Other uses for this medicine

It is primarily used to treat several inflammatory conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflectra helps reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Crohn’s disease: It is used to manage moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
• Ulcerative colitis: Inflectra is used to induce and maintain remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Psoriasis: Inflectra may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: It is used to alleviate the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Inflectra, it’s important to take certain precautions:

• Infections: TNF inhibitors like Inflectra can increase the risk of infections, including serious and potentially life-threatening ones. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if you have a current infection or a history of recurrent infections before starting treatment.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Inflectra can reactivate latent TB infections. Your doctor may perform a TB test before initiating treatment. If you have a history of TB or have been in close contact with someone with active TB, it’s crucial to inform your doctor.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Inflectra, such as difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling. If you develop any signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
• Heart failure: Inflectra may worsen symptoms of heart failure or lead to new heart failure in some patients. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart problems.
• Immunizations: Before starting Inflectra, discuss with your doctor which vaccinations are appropriate. Live vaccines should generally be avoided during treatment.
• Other medical conditions: It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have, such as liver or kidney disease, as Inflectra may require dose adjustments or close monitoring.

Remember, these precautions are not exhaustive, and it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for comprehensive information based on your specific medical condition and history.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Inflectra is a medication that contains infliximab, which is used to treat certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. When it comes to dietary instructions for Inflectra, there are no specific dietary restrictions or instructions that need to be followed. However, it is always a good idea to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Inflectra, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider or follow their instructions. Missing a dose may affect the effectiveness of the medication, so it’s best to seek guidance from a medical professional to determine the best course of action. They may advise you to reschedule the missed dose or provide specific instructions based on your individual circumstances. It’s important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one unless explicitly directed to do so by your healthcare provider.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Like any medication, Inflectra can potentially cause side effects. Here are some common and serious side effects associated with Inflectra:

Common side effects:

• Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, or bruising at the site of injection.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Upper respiratory tract infections: Common cold symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, or cough.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick or vomiting.
• Abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the abdomen.
• Rash or itching: Skin reactions such as rashes or itching.

Serious side effects (less common but more severe):

• Infections: Inflectra can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Serious infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, tuberculosis, or opportunistic infections can occur.
• Allergic reactions: Rarely, severe allergic reactions may occur, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Blood disorders: Inflectra can affect blood cells, leading to a decrease in white blood cells or platelets, which can increase the risk of infections or bleeding.
• Liver problems: Infliximab can cause liver damage, leading to elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Heart failure: Rarely, Inflectra may worsen or cause heart failure in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Neurological disorders: Infliximab has been associated with the development of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or demyelinating disorders.

It’s important to note that these lists do not encompass all possible side effects. Different individuals may experience different reactions to the medication. If you are considering or currently using Inflectra, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider, who can provide detailed information about potential side effects and address any concerns you may have.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

1. Storage of Inflectra:
   • Inflectra should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F).
   • Do not freeze Inflectra. If it accidentally freezes, do not use it and contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further instructions.
   • Keep the medication in its original packaging until you are ready to use it.
   • Protect Inflectra from light by keeping it in the original carton until use.
2. Disposal of Inflectra:
   • Unused or expired Inflectra should be properly disposed of to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
   • Do not dispose of Inflectra in household trash or flush it down the toilet.
   • Contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or healthcare waste disposal facility for guidance on proper disposal methods in your area.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an emergency or accidental overdose, call your local emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 in the United States) or go to the nearest emergency room.
• It is important to inform healthcare professionals about the medication taken and the amount ingested, if known.
• Overdose symptoms may include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or seizures.

What other information should I know?

• Inflectra may increase the risk of infections. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as they may interact with Inflectra.
• Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up.
• Store Inflectra out of the reach of children and pets.

Remember, the information provided here is a general guideline. For specific instructions and any concerns about Infliximab storage, disposal, or emergencies, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist who can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your individual circumstances.