Inflectra™
Drug class
- Biologic/biosimilar
- TNF blocker
Generic name
Infliximab-dyyb
Safety
Efficacy
Convenience
Box warning
Infliximab can cause life-threatening infections such as tuberculosis, sepsis, and fungal infections. It may also lead to cancer, especially lymphoma, in children and young adults. Patients should be checked for tuberculosis before treatment and watched closely for signs of infection.
Indications
Approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease and inducing/sustaining remission and approved for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and inducing/sustaining remission.
How it works
By inhibiting specific proteins that cause inflammation, biologic medications reduce disease activity and severity.
Drug interactions
Anakinra or abatacept, tocilizumab should be avoided because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.
Pre-treatment screening tests
Viral hepatitis panel, tuberculosis infection, liver function panel, and complete blood count.
Tests during screening
Complete blood count, liver function panel, signs and symptoms of infection, and yearly viral hepatitis panel, tuberculosis infection test, and skin exam.
Route of administration
Frequency
Every 8 weeks
Side effects
Infusion reactions, delayed infusion reactions, respiratory infections (such as sinus infections and sore throat), and headache
Contraindications
Previous severe hypersensitivity to infliximab, or any component of the formulation; IV doses >5 mg/kg in patients with moderate or severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV).
Safety information
Notify doctor of any infections, dark urine (which can indicate liver problems), not feeling hungry or not able to eat, fever, rash, chest pain, abnormal heart beat, lupus-like rash on cheeks, skin growth, vaginal discharge, signs of a allergic reaction like face swelling, fainting, dizziness, hives or shortness of breath.