Detailed instructions and medication guide for Infliximab

1. Basic information about drugs

Generic name: Infliximab (Infliximab)

Product name: such asRemicade (like grams), etc.

Drug category: Tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) inhibitors

Drug form: Lyophilized powder for intravenous injection

Applicable people: adults and children (some indications)

2. Introduction to the mechanism of action

Infliximab is a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the body, which is abnormally expressed in a variety of autoimmune diseases and participates in the inflammatory process. By blocking the TNF-α signaling pathway, Infliximab can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response and slow down tissue damage to achieve therapeutic purposes.

3. Detailed explanation of indications

Infliximab is widely used in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to the following categories:

1. Crohn's disease (CD): It is used for adults and children with moderate to severe active stage who are unresponsive to conventional treatments.

2. Ulcerative colitis (UC): Control inflammation and induce remission, suitable for patients who cannot tolerate glucocorticoids or immunomodulators.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Used in combination with methotrexate, it can slow down joint destruction.

4. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Reduce joint swelling and pain, and improve joint mobility.

5. Severe plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis): Improve skin symptoms and lesion range.

6. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): Reduce spinal stiffness and pain and improve quality of life.

4. Usage and dosage recommendations

1.Induction treatment phase: The recommended dose is5mg/kg, intravenous injection. Initial injections were performed at weeks 0, 2, and 6.

2. Maintenance treatment phase: Usually, maintenance injection of 5mg/kg is performed every 8 weeks. If the patient responds well to the initial treatment but the efficacy weakens later, the dose may be increased to 10 mg/kg as appropriate.

3. Injection precautions: The administration time takes about 2 hours, and it needs to be injected by professionals in a hospital environment. Allergy history should be assessed and vital signs monitored prior to administration.

5. Screening and evaluation before use

Tuberculosis screening: BecauseTNF-α inhibitors can activate latent tuberculosis, chest X-rays and tuberculosis skin tests or IGRA tests should be performed before taking the drugs.

Virus testing: Check for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV virus infection.

Evaluation of past cancer history: Some studies have shown that long-term useTNF inhibitors may increase the risk of certain cancers.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Infliximab belongs to FDA pregnancy classification category B. It can be used with caution during pregnancy, but it is recommended to avoid use in the third trimester; there are no clear contraindications for use during lactation.

6. Common adverse reactions and treatment methods

1. Infusion reactions: such as chills, fever, rash, chest tightness, etc., should be closely observed during administration. In severe cases, anti-allergic drugs can be used as pretreatment.

2. Increased risk of infection: including upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and fungal infection. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended.

3. Skin adverse reactions: such as eczema, macules, and psoriasis-like rash; if severe, discontinuation of the drug should be considered.

4. Rare complications: including demyelinating diseases of the nervous system (such as multiple sclerosis), worsening of heart failure, abnormal liver function, etc., a high degree of vigilance is required.

7. Medication precautions and suggestions

Closely monitor efficacy and side effects: regular testing is recommendedCRP, ESR, liver and kidney function and blood routine.

Vaccination: Routine vaccinations should be completed before treatment, and live vaccines should be avoided during use.

Combination drug strategy: Rheumatoid and other diseases are often combined with methotrexate, which can enhance the efficacy and delay the development of drug resistance.

Assessment of drug discontinuation and reuse: disease rebound is likely to occur after drug discontinuation, and antibody reactions may occur when drug is reused, which should be managed carefully

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/infliximab.html