Remicade

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Remicade

Remicade (pronounced: rem-ih-kade), also known by its generic name Infliximab (pronounced: in-flix-ih-mab), is a type of biologic therapy used to treat various autoimmune diseases. The term "Remicade" is derived from the words "remission" and "cascade", referring to its function in interrupting the inflammatory cascade, thereby inducing remission in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Uses

Remicade is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking the action of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a substance in the body that causes inflammation.

Administration

Remicade is administered by intravenous infusion typically over a period of two hours. The dosage and frequency of administration depend on the specific disease being treated and the patient's response to therapy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Remicade include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and infusion reactions. Serious side effects can include infections, heart failure, and liver damage.

Precautions

Before starting Remicade, patients should be tested for tuberculosis and hepatitis B, as the drug can reactivate these infections. Patients should also be monitored for signs of heart disease, as Remicade can worsen heart failure in some patients.

Interactions

Remicade can interact with other medications, including live vaccines, warfarin, and theophylline. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting Remicade.

Etymology

The name "Remicade" is a portmanteau of "remission" and "cascade", referring to the drug's ability to interrupt the inflammatory cascade and induce remission in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Related Terms

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