Review and expert opinion on prevention and treatment of infliximab-related infusion reactions

Br J Dermatol. 2008 Sep;159(3):527-36. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08728.x. Epub 2008 Jul 9.

Abstract

Infliximab (Remicade; Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ, U.S.A.) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that acts as a tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor. Infliximab is registered for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis and plaque-type psoriasis. Like other foreign protein-derived agents, infliximab may lead to infusion reactions during and after infusion. Infusion reactions occur in 3-22% of patients with psoriasis treated with infliximab. Most of these reactions are mild or moderate and only few are severe. Nevertheless, they may lead to discontinuation of treatment. As infliximab for psoriasis is prescribed as a last resort and is in most cases very effective, discontinuation of treatment is undesirable. With proper care and prevention of the infusion reactions the need to discontinue treatment with infliximab can be diminished. The objective of this article is to present a guideline for the management of infliximab-related infusion reactions, based on the best available evidence. This guideline can be used in patients with psoriasis as well as in dermatology patients receiving infliximab for off-label indications such as hidradenitis suppurativa or pyoderma gangrenosum.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / prevention & control
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa / drug therapy
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infliximab
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / drug therapy
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab