Let's learn everything about the Infliximab injection in a simple way!

You may have been told by your doctor about a vaccine called Infliximab. Or maybe one of your friends is taking this treatment. So, you may have many questions like what is Infliximab, what kind of diseases is it used for, and what should we be careful about when taking it. Don't worry, we will talk about all this very simply today, in language that you can understand.

What diseases is this medicine called Infliximab used for?

Simply put, Infliximab is a drug that helps control some of the activities of our body's immune system. That is, there are some diseases, where our own body's defense system becomes overactive and attacks our own cells. That is when this drug becomes useful. Doctors usually use this drug to treat the following conditions:

• Crohn 's disease: This is a long-term inflammatory condition that occurs in our intestines . This means that the intestines become inflamed and can become sore .
• Ulcerative colitis : This is also an inflammatory bowel condition like Crohn's disease, but it mainly affects the colon and rectum.
• Ankylosing spondylitis : This is a condition in which the joints in the spine become swollen and stiff. Over time, the spine can become so stiff that it is impossible to bend it.
• Plaque psoriasis: A condition in which the skin becomes red and scaly , and is also caused by an overactive immune system.
• Some types of arthritis: This means inflammation of the joints . For example, it is also used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis .

In addition to these diseases, this medicine may be used for other diseases, depending on the doctor's experience and your medical condition. So if you have any questions, never be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the most important things to tell your doctor before taking medication?

Okay, now let's see what your doctor says before you start treatment with Infliximab.There are a few things that need to be said. These are very important, because this information is what the doctor will use to decide if this medicine is right for you, how much to give you, and what special precautions you should take. If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor :

• Cancer status: Please state if you currently have cancer or have previously been treated for cancer.
• If you have lived or traveled in the Ohio or Mississippi River Valleys in the United States: This is important because there are some fungal infections that are endemic to these areas.
• Diabetes : People with diabetes are at increased risk of infection.
• If you have been exposed to tuberculosis: You should tell your doctor if you have had tuberculosis before, or if you have been in contact with someone who has tuberculosis. It is possible that your tuberculosis will come back while taking this medicine.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome: This is a condition that affects the nervous system.
• Heart failure: This medication may worsen symptoms in people with heart failure.
• Hepatitis or other liver diseases: If you have liver problems, mention that too.
• Immune system weakness: If you have another disease that weakens your immune system.
• Existing infection: If you have any infection, such as a fever, cold, or cough, it should be treated before starting the medication.
• Lung or respiratory disease: For example, a condition like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
• Multiple sclerosis: This is also a disease that affects the nervous system.
• If you are receiving phototherapy treatment for your skin.
• Conditions such as seizure disorder.
• If you have an allergy to infliximab, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Don't be alarmed by this list. Not all of these apply to everyone. But if you have something like this, it's very important to talk to your doctor. So he or she can treat you in the safest way possible.

How can I give you this medicine?

Infliximab is an injection into a vein.. This is not a medicine that you can usually take at home. It is given to you by a doctor or a trained nurse in a hospital or clinic. When you are given the medicine, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) by the pharmacy. Read this leaflet carefully every time you get a new medicine. It contains a lot of important information for you.

This medicine can be given to children as young as 6 years old for some specific medical conditions. However, you should discuss this with your pediatrician and make decisions based on his or her advice. There are some things to be especially careful about when giving it to young children.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only by your doctor. Do not give this medicine to anyone else for any reason. What if you take too much? If you think you have taken too much medicine or accidentally taken an overdose, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

It is very important to take this medicine on time. If you miss a scheduled appointment, call your doctor or healthcare professional right away. They will tell you what to do next.

Are there any other medications that may interact with this medicine?

Yes, there are some medications that can be dangerous to take with Infliximab. So if you are taking any other medications, you should tell your doctor about them. This includes prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, traditional medicines, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. In particular, do not take Infliximab with the following medications:

• Other biologic medicines: For example, abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, rituximab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib, and ustekinumab. These medicines are associated with a much higher risk of serious infections.
• Live vaccines: For example, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, chickenpox vaccine. Your immunity is weakened when you take these drugs, so you can get sick from live vaccines.

This list may not include all possible drug interactions. So it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.Tell me. Because those things can interact with this medicine.

What should you be careful about when taking this medicine?

Doctors will regularly check your health while you are taking Infliximab.

• Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will check you regularly to see if your symptoms are improving and if the medication is working. They may also do blood work.
• Tuberculosis test: Before starting treatment, you will be tested to see if you have tuberculosis.
• Protect yourself from infections: When you take this medicine, your body's ability to fight diseases (immunity) decreases slightly. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, sore throat, or cough, tell your doctor immediately . Do not self-medicate. Try to stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
• Worsening of heart failure: This medicine may cause symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or legs) to worsen in some patients. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
• Surgery or dental treatment: If you are having any surgery or dental treatment, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Infliximab.
• If you are taking medication for skin cancer (plaque psoriasis), be careful with the sun: Minimize sun exposure as much as possible. If you go outside, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
• Cancer risk: This medication may slightly increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer (such as lymphoma). Talk to your doctor about this for more information.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Infliximab can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some of them are common and go away in a few days. But some of them can be serious, so you should tell your doctor right away.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to your doctor or an emergency room immediately without delay :

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
• Breathing problems.
• Changes in vision.
• Chest pain.
• Fever or chills:Especially during or near the time of injection.
• Joint pain.
• Pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet.
• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin: Can also occur inside the mouth.
• Seizures.
• Signs of infection: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, cold-like symptoms, pain or difficulty urinating.
• Signs and symptoms of liver injury: Dark yellow or brown urine; general malaise; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right abdomen; unusual tiredness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Stroke symptoms: Vision changes; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; severe headache; sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance.
• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin area.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusually weak or tired.

Side effects that are usually not a big deal, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor :

These usually go away in a few days, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Stomach pain.
• Upset stomach.

This list may not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.

How do you store the medicine?

This medicine is not usually given to you to keep at home. It is available and given to you at a hospital or clinic. So you don't have to worry about how to store it.

Remember the most important thing (Take-Home Message)

So, Infliximab is an important drug used to treat some complex medical conditions.

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about this medicine, never hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. They are there to help you.

We wish you proper treatment for your condition and a speedy recovery!

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`Infliximab, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Plaque psoriasis, Arthritis, Immunity, Side effects