Treatment FAQ

what is a remicade treatment for

by Magali Breitenberg Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Remicade® (infliximab) is a treatment option for patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, who have not responded to other drug therapies. The drug is also used to treat various joint disorders as well as psoriasis.

Precautions

The most common side effects of REMICADE® include:

  • respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat
  • headache
  • coughing
  • stomach pain

What are the most common side effects of Remicade?

Patient comes to our chemotherapy facility for administration of the drug Remicade and the patient does not have cancer, however this drug is infused the same way chemotherapy is admistered. How would you code this encounter? FYI: Remicade is a non-chemo drug? Infusion time is 1 hour.

Is Remicade a chemotherapy drug?

  • Reviewing your health plan benefits to help answer questions you may have about insurance coverage
  • Care coordination with infusion provider or specialty pharmacy
  • Offering treatment demonstration videos
  • Connecting you with a nurse at Janssen Nurse Support to answer questions about treatment with REMICADE® †
  • Infusion site locator at 2infuse.com

How much does Remicade cost without insurance?

What is Infliximab (Remicade)? Infliximab is a type of monoclonal antibody drug that is classified as a biologic. This drug acts as an immunosuppressant drug and is commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Is Remicade an immunosuppressive medication?

image

What diseases does REMICADE treat?

This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis).

Is REMICADE a form of chemo?

It's used to treat moderate to severe Crohn's disease. It was initially designed as a chemotherapy drug to treat cancer but wasn't effective for cancer. The drug has been shown to work against autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's.

What is REMICADE prescribed for?

REMICADE® is a prescription medication for adults living with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who haven't responded well to other medicines. REMICADE® is not right for everyone, and individual results may vary. Talk with your doctor to decide if REMICADE® may be right for you.

Why do you get REMICADE infusions?

Remicade infusion therapy is used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Remicade (infliximab) helps decrease inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Do you gain weight on Remicade?

Does Remicade cause weight gain or weight loss? Changes in weight were not reported in studies of people taking Remicade. But if you notice that your weight is changing, you should talk with your doctor. In some cases, weight loss or gain may be a sign of other side effects of Remicade.

Is Remicade worth the risk?

Remicade can increase your risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. This drug affects your immune system. It can decrease your body's ability to fight infections such as tuberculosis or infections caused by different bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

What are the serious side effects of REMICADE?

Allergic reactions during or after infusion—hives, difficulty breathing, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, and fever or chills. Delayed allergic reactions (3 to 12 days after infusion)—fever, rash, headache, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, swelling of the face and hands, or difficulty swallowing.

How long do you stay on REMICADE?

Doctors use a drug's half-life to find out how long the drug stays in your blood. Usually after about 4 to 5 half-lives, your body will have rid itself of the medication. It takes between 7 to 9 days for the body to get rid of half of a dose of Remicade. This means Remicade can stay in your system for 28 to 45 days.

Does REMICADE help joint pain?

Remicade is used to treat conditions that have symptoms such as joint pain.

Is Remicade an immunotherapy?

Infliximab is a type of monoclonal antibody drug that is classified as a biologic. This drug acts as an immunosuppressant drug and is commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ulcerative colitis (UC), psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Why is Benadryl given with Remicade?

You may also be given a single dose of an IV steroid, Benadryl and/or Tylenol to prevent this type of reaction. The steroid also helps to enhance the response you will get from the Infliximab. Infusion reactions may also occur and will do so within 2 hours after the infusion.

How much does Remicade cost per year?

Table 1Cost Comparison Table of Biologics for the Treatment of Crohn's DiseaseDrug/ComparatorStrengthDrug Cost in Year 1Vedolizumab (Entyvio)300 mg$26,320TNF Alpha InhibitorsAdalimumab (Humira)40 mg$22,211Infliximab (Remicade)100 mg$31,602 to $46,4151 more row

Does Remicade cause hair loss, issues with teeth, or weight gain?

It’s unclear. Remicade wasn’t reported to cause hair loss or teeth issues. And more research needs to be done on whether Remicade can cause weight...

How does Remicade work? Is it a chemotherapy drug?

No, Remicade isn’t a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy drugs stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or stopping them from multiplying (makin...

What’s the half-life of Remicade? How long does it stay in your system?

The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of the medication. Doctors use a drug’s half-life to find out h...

What should I know about Remicade vs. Stelara?

Your doctor may prescribe either Stelara or Remicade if you’re an adult and have any of the following conditions: plaque psoriasis ulcerative colit...

Will my body make antibodies to Remicade?

Yes, it’s possible for your body to make antibodies (immune system proteins) to Remicade. This would affect how well the medication works. Since Re...

If I stop using Remicade, will I have withdrawal symptoms?

No, you won’t have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Remicade. But symptoms of your disease may come back or worsen. If you want to stop using...

How does remicade work?

Remicade comes as a vial of powder. Your healthcare provider will mix it with a liquid to make a solution. They will then give you the Remicade solution as an infusion. This is an injection into your vein that’s given over a period of time.

What is the drug class of Remicade?

Remicade drug class and form. Remicade contains the drug infliximab, which is a biologic (a drug made from parts of living organisms). Remicade belongs to a drug class called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.

How much infliximab is in remicade?

Remicade comes as a vial of powder, and each vial contains 100 mg of infliximab (the active drug in Remicade). Your healthcare provider will add a liquid to the vial to make a solution.

How old is too old to take remicade?

Remicade is approved by the FDA to treat children ages 6 years and older with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease or moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. For information on the effectiveness of Remicade in treating these conditions, see the “Remicade effectiveness” section above.

What is the name of the condition that causes red patches on the skin?

Psoriatic arthritis (in adults). Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of joint swelling that can occur with the skin condition psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis (in adults). Plaque psoriasis is a type of psoriasis in which red, itchy, red patches form on your skin.

How old should a baby be before getting remicade?

If you took Remicade while pregnant, your baby shouldn’t get live vaccines until they’re at least 6 months old. Babies exposed to Remicade before birth and who get vaccines too soon can have a higher risk for infections, serious complications, or death.

What is the name of the program that Remicade is offered by?

If you need financial support to pay for Remicade, help is available. Janssen, the manufacturer of Remicade, offers a program called Janssen CarePath. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 877-CarePath (877-227-3728) or visit the program website.

What is remicade used for?

Remicade is used to treat moderate to severe RA. RA is a condition that causes swelling in your joints. Joint pain and swelling usually occurs on both sides of the body. But RA may also cause problems in other areas of your body, such as your heart, eyes, and skin.

What are the side effects of remicade?

Serious side effects of Remicade that have been reported include: infusion-related reactions, such as trouble breathing, skin discoloration or warming, headache, and rash. liver problems, such as cholestasis (a condition that lowers or blocks the flow of bile from the liver) and liver failure. heart failure.

What is CD in remicade?

CD is a condition that causes inflammation in your intestines. Ulcerative colitis (UC). Adults and children ages 6 years and older may use Remicade to treat moderate to severe UC. This is a condition that causes inflammation in your lower intestine.

Does Remicade lower immune system?

It occurred in people using Remicade with other drugs that lower immune system activity , including azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol). It was reported that most people who developed HSTCL were male* children or young adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Is Remicade a biosimilar?

Unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs. The biosimilar forms of Remicade include: infliximab-axxq (Avsola) infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra) infliximab (Renflexis) Read on to learn about Remicade’s uses, side effects, and more.

Can remicade cause side effects?

Serious side effects. Serious side effects from Remicade can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Remicade, call your doctor right away. However, if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Does remicade cause joint pain?

Joint pain is a side effect of using Remicade. But it can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction, hepatitis B virus reactivation, or lupus-like syndrome (a disorder that causes symptoms similar to lupus ). And these are all possible side effects of the drug.

What is remicade used for?

Remicade is a drug treatment method for Rheumatoid Arthritis that is given intravenously. It’s usually prescribed for patients who are experiencing aggressive RA symptoms in an effort to halt the progression of symptoms and joint damage.

What are the side effects of Remicade?

Side Effects. In general, the side effects of Remicade have been pretty mild. The most common side effects of the drug are rashes and headaches. However, other side effects that have been reported include: Nausea.

How much does remicade cost?

A single dose typically ranges from $1,300 to $2,500. Medicare does not cover Remicade. Prior to beginning Remicade, you should work with your doctor’s office to determine insurance options.

How long does it take to administer remicade?

Administration of the drug takes approximately two hours. Remicade comes in powdered form, which is then mixed with water for infusion. The mixture is placed in a transfusion bag and dripped slowly intravenously.

What is the best treatment for RA?

Medications, homeopathic remedies, and physical therapy have all been shown to be helpful in the treatment of RA. One medication, in particular, has been found to have a significant impact on the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, especially in moderate to severe cases of the disease. This drug is called Remicade.

Can you breastfeed while taking remicade?

While there have been no significant studies of the effects of Remicade in pregnancy, Remicade should only be used while pregnant if absolutely necessary. Remicade is transferred to the baby via breast milk, so you should not breastfeed while using Remicade.

Is remicade covered by insurance?

Prior to beginning Remicade, you should work with your doctor’s office to determine insurance options. Remicade can be covered by insurance, though the doctor’s office will likely have to answer a number of questions for the insurance company ( why other treatments didn’t work, why Remicade is being recommended, etc.).

What are the side effects of remicde?

The most common side effects of REMICADE® include: 1 respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat 2 headache 3 coughing 4 stomach pain

How long does it take for a reaction to occur after remicade?

Infusion reactions can happen up to 2 hours after your infusion of REMICADE®. Symptoms of infusion reactions may include: Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the side effects with REMICADE®. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Does Remicade help with TB?

REMICADE® can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious and sometimes fatal events can occur. There have been reports of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have spread throughout the body or cause infections in certain areas.

What is Remicade for Crohn's disease?

What is Remicade®? REMICADE® is a prescription medication for adults living with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who haven't responded well to other medicines. REMICADE® is not right for everyone, and individual results may vary. Talk with your doctor to decide if REMICADE® may be right for you.

How long does it take for a reaction to occur after remicade?

Infusion reactions can happen up to 2 hours after your infusion of REMICADE®. Symptoms of infusion reactions may include: Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the side effects with REMICADE®. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Does Remicde block TNF?

REMICADE® blocks a protein in your immune system called TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha can cause inflammation. When you have Crohn’s disease, your body produces too much TNF-alpha, a protein that helps regulate immune cells and inflammation in the body. Too much TNF-alpha can cause your immune system to mistakenly attack cells in the digestive tract, ...

Does Remicade help with TB?

REMICADE® can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious and sometimes fatal events can occur. There have been reports of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have spread throughout the body or cause infections in certain areas.

What is remicade used for?

Remicade is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing and maintaining clinical remission and mucosal healing, and eliminating corticosteroid use in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.

What age is remicade indicated?

Remicade is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with moderately to severely active CD who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy.

How long does it take for remicade to cause hypersensitivity?

Most hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, urticaria, dyspnea, and/or hypotension), have occurred during or within 2 hours of Remicade infusion.

What is remicade for psoriasis?

Plaque Psoriasis. Remicade is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic severe (i.e., extensive and/or disabling) plaque psoriasis (Ps) who are candidates for systemic therapy and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate.

What meds are used for hypersensitivity reactions?

Medications for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., acetaminophen, antihistamines, corticosteroids and/or epinephrine) should be available for immediate use in the event of a reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.10) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Can you take Remicade and Anakinra concurrently?

Therefore, the concurrent use of Remicade and anakinra is not recommended. In clinical studies, concurrent administration of TNF blockers and abatacept have been associated with an increased risk of infections including serious infections compared with TNF blockers alone, without increased clinical benefit.

Does remicade cause malformations?

Available observational studies in pregnant women exposed to Remicade showed no increased risk of major malformations among live births as compared to those exposed to non-biologics. However, findings on other birth and maternal outcomes were not consistent across studies of different study design and conduct (see Data).

Are teeth problems or hair loss possible side effects of Remicade?

No, teeth problems and hair loss are not side effects of Remicade. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of people taking this medication.

Does Remicade cause weight gain or weight loss?

Changes in weight were not reported in studies of people taking Remicade. But if you notice that your weight is changing, you should talk with your doctor. In some cases, weight loss or gain may be a sign of other side effects of Remicade.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop Remicade treatment?

No, you will not experience withdrawal symptoms from stopping Remicade. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Are there any long-term side effects of Remicade?

Yes, it’s possible that Remicade may cause you to have long-term side effects. These may include:

Will Remicade cause changes in my mood?

It’s not likely. Sudden changes in mood weren’t reported during studies of Remicade.

Infusion-related side effects

You may have infusion -related side effects from taking Remicade. These are infusion reactions that occur during an infusion or within about an hour after stopping an infusion.

Liver damage

You may develop liver problems or liver damage during treatment with Remicade. In some cases, liver damage can be severe.

What is remicde used for?

REMICADE® is used to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in pediatric and adult patients , as well as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

What are the side effects of remicde?

Talk to your doctor about your medical history to determine whether you need additional monitoring during treatment. There are certain medical conditions that may make it dangerous to undergo treatment with REMICADE®, including: 1 Tuberculosis (TB) 2 Diabetes 3 Immune system issues 4 Infections that keep coming back 5 Cancer 6 Heart failure 7 Hepatitis B 8 Nervous system disorders

Does Remicade cause cancer?

REMICADE® could also increase the risk of blood infections, lymphoma, skin, or cervical cancer. Tell your doctor if you see any changes or growths on your skin, or are experiencing poor appetite, flu-like symptoms, or painful or opens sores.

Does Remicade help with psoriatic arthritis?

It also treats rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. It is possible for REMICADE® to lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections — especially in patients who are 65 years of age or older and have had serious infections caused by viruses, tuberculosis, or histoplasmosis.

image

What Is Remicade?

This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis).

May Treat: Crohn's disease · Ankylosing spondylitis · Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis · Psoriatic arthritis · Rheumatoid arthritis and more

Alternate Brand Names: Avsola · Inflectra · Renflexis

Drug Class: Anti-inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibiting Agnts, TNF-alpha Sel · DMARD - Anti-inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibiting Agents · Inflammatory Bowel Agent - Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Blockers

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

May Treat: Crohn's disease · Ankylosing spondylitis · Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis · Psoriatic arthritis · Rheumatoid arthritis and more

Alternate Brand Names: Avsola · Inflectra · Renflexis

Drug Class: Anti-inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibiting Agnts, TNF-alpha Sel · DMARD - Anti-inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibiting Agents · Inflammatory Bowel Agent - Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Blockers

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: JANSSEN BIOTECH

Precautions

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Infuse this drug via a vein (intravenously)
  • Check for TB before and during treatment

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Infuse this drug via a vein (intravenously)
  • Check for TB before and during treatment
  • Call MD now for fever, chills, cough or fatigue.
  • The drug may increase the risk of getting cancer.
  • Call MD if new abdominal pain/yellowing eyes/skin
  • Avoid live vaccines and newly vaccinated people.
  • Store in refrigerator. Do not freeze or shake.

How to Take It

Side Effects

Warnings and Precautions

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9