All medications
Biologics
Infliximab
Brand names: Remicade and biosimilars (Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola), Zymfentra (under the skin)
An intravenous TNF inhibitor used for arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis (with methotrexate), psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis.
How it works
An antibody that binds TNF and stops it from driving inflammation.
How it’s taken
IV infusions at weeks 0, 2 and 6, then every 4 to 8 weeks.
Side effects
Infusion reactions, higher infection risk, TB reactivation, and rarely liver or nerve problems.
Monitoring
TB and hepatitis B screening, then blood work and monitoring at each infusion visit.
Good to know
It is usually combined with methotrexate in RA to prevent the body forming antibodies against it.
At a glance
Class
Biologics
Brand names
Remicade and biosimilars (Inflectra, Renflexis, Avsola), Zymfentra (under the skin)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.