Remicade - Patient Info

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Too much TNF can cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues in your body and cause inflammation. If this condition is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the body’s bones, cartilage, and tissue. While taking REMICADE can block theTNF that causes inflammation, it can also lower your body’s ability to fight infections. So, taking REMICADE can make you more prone to getting infections or it can make an infection that you already have worse. You should call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection.

What important information should I know about treatment with REMICADE?

REMICADE, like other medicines that affect your immune system, is a strong medicine that can cause serious side effects.

Possible serious side effects include:

Serious Infections

• Some patients have had serious infections while receiving REMICADE. Some of the patients have died from these infections. Serious infections include TB (tuberculosis), and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout thebody. If you develop a fever, feel very tired, have a cough, or have flu-like symptoms,these could be signs that you may be getting an infection. If you have any of these symptoms while you are taking or afteryou have taken REMICADE, you should tell your doctor right away.

Heart Failure

• If you have been told that you have aheart problem called congestive heart failure and you are currently being treated with REMICADE, you will need to be closely monitored by your doctor. If you develop new or worse symptoms that are related to your heart condition, such as shortness of breath or swelling of your ankles or feet, you must contact your doctor immediately

Blood Problems

• In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that help your body fight infections or help you stop bleeding. Some of the patients have died from this failure to producep blood cells. If you develop a fever that doesn't go away, bruise or bleed very easily, or look very pale, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment.