Infliximab can be prescribed to treat symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. The medication comes in an injectable form that is administered intravenously by your healthcare provider. Prior to taking infliximab, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you may have, as well as any medications you are taking.
Infliximab (
Remicade®) is a prescription medication approved to treat several inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, skin, and
digestive system.
Infliximab is made by Centocor, Inc.
What Is Infliximab Used For?
Specific uses of infliximab include reducing the signs and symptoms of the following conditions:
How Does Infliximab Work?
Infliximab is part of a class of medicines known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, or TNF inhibitors for short. As the name implies, infliximab blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is involved in inflammation and other immune system functions.
People with rheumatoid
arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease often have higher levels of TNF. These high levels can cause inflammation and lead to problems. By blocking TNF-alpha, infliximab helps to relieve the symptoms of these conditions and, in some cases, prevent future damage from occurring. However, infliximab does not cure these conditions.
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