Infliximab Infusion Protocol

Infliximab is a drug used to relieve symptoms associated with various autoimmune conditions. It works by inhibiting the action of tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF-alpha. Infliximab is administered by IV infusion. Although infliximab controls symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders, it does not cure them.

Indications

• Infliximab is used in patients whose immune system has begun to overproduce TNF-alpha, resulting in autoimmune disorders. Patients with Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and ankylosing spondylitis, among others, may be treated with infliximab.

Contraindications

• Certain patients may not be good candidates for treatment with infliximab. Patients with nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, those with heart disease or COPD, those who have had or are carriers of hepatitis B, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not receive infliximab.

Administration

• Infliximab is administered by IV infusion over the course of a two-hour period. The infusions are repeated every two to eight weeks. The doctor or nurse will monitor the patient for allergic reactions during the infusion period. Reactions may include itching, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face or extremities.