What side effects can Remicade (infliximab) cause?
Remicade (infliximab) can cause both common and serious side effects. The most important risks are infections and infusion-related reactions.
Common side effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and rash/itching. Some people also get infusion reactions such as fever, chills, or feeling unwell during or shortly after the infusion.
Why is infection a major concern with Remicade?
Because Remicade suppresses parts of the immune system, it can raise the risk of infections, including serious infections. Patients may develop infections such as respiratory infections (like bronchitis or pneumonia), skin infections, or other bacterial infections, and in some cases infections can be life-threatening. Reactivation of certain infections (including tuberculosis) is a key concern before starting therapy.
What infusion reactions should patients watch for?
Remicade is given by IV infusion, and infusion reactions can happen during the infusion or after. Symptoms may include fever, chills, low or high blood pressure, shortness of breath, hives, or chest discomfort. More severe reactions are possible.
What other serious side effects are linked to Remicade?
Serious, less common risks can include:
- Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions
- Reactivation of infections (including TB)
- Worsening or new neurologic problems (rare)
- Certain blood count abnormalities
- Liver problems
- Certain cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancers (risk varies by patient factors)
What should people do if they have symptoms after an infusion?
Patients are typically told to seek urgent medical care for warning signs such as:
- Fever or signs of infection (persistent cough, burning with urination, severe weakness)
- Shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives
- Severe chest pain or severe infusion reaction symptoms
Who is most at risk for side effects?
Risk can be higher for people with prior or chronic infections, a history of TB exposure, older adults, and those taking other immune-suppressing medicines (such as corticosteroids or other biologics/immune modulators). Clinicians usually screen for TB and hepatitis before starting and monitor during treatment.
Are there differences in side effects by the condition it treats?
Side effects from infliximab are generally similar across approved uses (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and pediatric indications). The baseline risks from the underlying disease (and other medications) can affect overall risk of infection and complications.
Sources
I don’t have access to the specific Remicade prescribing information in the provided materials here, so I can’t cite exact side-effect rates or the full label list. If you share the version of the label you’re using (or paste the “Adverse Reactions” section), I can summarize the side effects exactly as written there.