REMICADE

Drug Name: REMICADE

REMICADE DESCRIPTION:
INFLIXIMAB - INJECTION (in-FLICKS-ih-mab)

COMMON REMICADE BRAND NAME(S):
Remicade

REMICADE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea or pain at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: fever, chills, headache, chest pain, cough, sore throat, unusual tiredness, stomach pain, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth. Unlikely but report promptly: diarrhea, joint/muscle pain, mental/mood changes, changes in skin appearance, painful urination, increased urgency/frequency of urination, unusual bruising or bleeding. Very unlikely but report promptly: fast or irregular pulse, unusual lumps, swollen glands. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

HOW TO USE REMICADE:
REMICADE: REMICADE is given by vein (IV) over at least 2 hours. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist. REMICADE should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. The liquid should be colorless to light yellow and translucent particles may be present (this is normal). Do not use the liquid if whitish/opaque particles or discoloration are present.

REMICADE USES:
REMICADE is used to treat moderate to severe bowel disease (Crohn's disease).

OTHER USES OF REMICADE:
REMICADE may also be used to treat certain forms of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis).

REMICADE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies, current infections, tumors (e.g., lymphoma), decreased immune system function. Use of REMICADE may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Caution is advised when REMICADE is used in the elderly, as this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. REMICADE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether REMICADE is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using REMICADE is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

REMICADE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: immune system suppressing drugs (e.g., prednisone, cyclosporine).

REMICADE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

REMICADE NOTES:
Do not share REMICADE with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your response to therapy.

MISSED REMICADE DOSE:
If the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

REMICADE STORAGE:
Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), the drug should be used immediately. Discard any unused liquid.