What is it?: 

Remicade is a prescription medicine used in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. If you have moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), and one or more of the following is true, talk to your healthcare provider and ask if Remicade may be right for you.

• ​Certain other ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease medicines have not worked well enough.

• Certain other ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease medicines cannot be tolerated.

• You rely on steroids to control flare-ups.

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Uses: 

A prescription medicine used in adults with:

• Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) when certain other UC medicines have not worked well enough ​or cannot be tolerated. Remicade may help to: begin reducing some symptoms, induce and maintain remission, reduce or stop the use of corticosteroids, and promote intestinal healing.

• Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD) when certain other CD medicines have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated. Remicade may help to: begin reducing some symptoms, induce and maintain remission, and reduce or stop the use of corticosteroids.

• More - CLICK HERE to learn more on exactly how Remicade works, and for important safety information regarding Remicade. CLICK HERE to access the manufacturer's medication guide.

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Background: 

Some patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis benefit from advanced medications that neutralize tumor necrosis factor (TNF). (Despite its name, TNF is more important in inflammatory diseases than in cancer.) These medications bind to TNF (as anti-TNF antibodies) and clear TNF out of the body. As TNF is a key component of the inflammatory pathway, patients with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may see a reduction in the bowel symptoms once TNF is neutralized.

 

Remicade, the brand name of the anti-TNF medication infliximab, has been used for years in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to suppress inflammation. The medication must be given as an infusion via an intravenous catheter. When someone starts Remicade, there are generally three initial infusions over a 6-week period. After this, Remicade is generally infused once every 8 weeks, though the interval is occasionally shortened to 6 weeks. Infusions take approximately two hours, plus time to be checked in and discharged. Remicade may be combined with other Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis medications, if needed, or used as the only therapy.

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What To Expect:

Prior to you starting medications for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your physician will discuss your various therapy options with you in person, including the expected benefits and possible side effects. If you decide that Remicade is right for you, your insurance company will be contacted for prior authorization, after which you will be scheduled for Remicade infusions at the dose and interval appropriate for your situation.

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We have prepared a Patient Welcome Letter to help you know how to prepare for Remicade infusions. Note that we have WiFi available, so feel free to bring electronic devices (with headphones) to infusion appointments.

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How To Prepare:

Starting advanced medications like Remicade may raise many questions about benefits, risks, and financial implications. Prior to your first infusion, we ask that you review the risks outlined in the Informed Consent  document, which we will ask you to sign at your first infusion appointment. These risks can be discussed further with your physician during a clinic visit, if needed. At your first infusion, you will also be asked to sign the Patient Financial Responsibility Form. We strongly encourage all patients receiving Remicade to apply for the RemiStart patient assistance program though the manufacturer of Remicade. If you have insurance that covers medication costs for Remicade, RemiStart may provide a rebate for your out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance) up to $8,000 every 12 months (or 8 Remicade infusions). After your first infusion, the infusion nurse will give you a Post-Infusion Instructions handout for your reference.