Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official and paediatric dosages, pregnancy and breastfeeding guidance, and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Remsima contains the active substance infliximab. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody - a type of protein that attaches to a specific target in the body called TNF (tumour necrosis factor) alpha. Remsima belongs to a group of medicines called 'TNF blockers'. It is used in adults for the following inflammatory diseases: • Rheumatoid arthritis • Psoriatic arthritis • Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) • Psoriasis. Remsima is also used in adults and children 6 years of age or older for: • Crohn's disease • Ulcerative colitis. Remsima works by selectively attaching to TNF alpha and blocking its action. TNF alpha is involved in inflammatory processes of the body so blocking it can reduce the inflammation in your body. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. If you have active rheumatoid arthritis you will first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima which you will take with another medicine called methotrexate to: • reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease, • slow down the damage in your joints, • improve your physical function.
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Remsima 40 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion
infliximab
Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, usually accompanied by psoriasis. If you have active psoriatic arthritis you will first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima to: • reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease, • slow down the damage in your joints, • improve your physical function. Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spine. If you have ankylosing spondylitis you will first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima to: • reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease, • improve your physical function. Psoriasis Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin. If you have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, you will first be given other medicines or treatments, such as phototherapy. If these medicines or treatments do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease. Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima to treat your disease. Crohn's disease Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. If you have Crohn's disease you will first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Remsima to: • treat active Crohn's disease, • reduce the number of abnormal openings (fistulae) between your bowel and your skin that have not been controlled by other medicines or surgery.
Had treatment with any medicine containing infliximab before • Tell your doctor if you have had treatment with medicines containing infliximab in the past and are now starting Remsima treatment again. • If you have had a break in your treatment with infliximab of more than 16 weeks, there is a higher risk for allergic reactions when you start the treatment again. Infections • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you have an infection even if it is a very minor one. • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you have ever lived in or travelled to an area where infections called histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis are common. These infections are caused by specific types of fungi that can affect the lungs or other parts of your body. • You may get infections more easily when you are being treated with Remsima. If you are 65 years of age or older, you have a greater risk. • These infections may be serious and include tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria or other organisms in the environment and sepsis that may be life-threatening. Tell your doctor straight away if you get signs of infection during treatment with Remsima. Signs include fever, cough, flu-like signs, feeling unwell, red or hot skin, wounds or dental problems. Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Remsima.
Tuberculosis (TB) • It is very important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had TB or if you have been in close contact with someone who has had or has TB. • Your doctor will test you to see if you have TB. Cases of TB have been reported in patients treated with infliximab, even in patients who have already been treated with medicines for TB. Your doctor will record these tests on your patient reminder card. • If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicines for TB before you are given Remsima. Tell your doctor straight away if you get signs of TB during treatment with Remsima. Signs include persistent cough, weight loss, feeling tired, fever, night sweats.
Hepatitis B virus • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you are a carrier of hepatitis B or have ever had it. • Tell your doctor if you think you might be at risk of contracting hepatitis B. • Your doctor should test you for hepatitis B virus. • Treatment with TNF blockers such as Remsima may result in reactivation of hepatitis B virus in patients who carry this virus, which can be life-threatening in some cases. • If you experience reactivation of hepatitis B, your doctor may need to stop your treatment and may give you medicines such as effective antiviral therapy with supportive treatment. Heart problems • Tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, such as mild heart failure. • Your doctor will want to closely monitor your heart. Tell your doctor straight away if you get new or worsening signs of heart failure during treatment with Remsima. Signs include shortness of breath or swelling of your feet.
Abnormal skin openings • Tell your doctor if you have any abnormal skin openings (fistulae) before you are given Remsima. Vaccinations • Talk to your doctor if you recently have had or are due to have a vaccine. • You should receive recommended vaccinations before starting Remsima treatment. You may receive some vaccines during treatment with Remsima but you should not receive live vaccines (vaccines that contain a living but weakened infectious agent) while using Remsima because they may cause infections. • If you received Remsima while you were pregnant, your baby may also be at higher risk for getting an infection as a result of receiving a live vaccine during the first year of life. It is important that you tell your baby's doctors and other health care professionals about your Remsima use so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine, including live vaccines such as the BCG vaccine (used to prevent tuberculosis). • If you are breast-feeding, it is important that you tell your baby's doctors and other healthcare professionals about your Remsima use before your baby is given any vaccine. For more information see section on Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility.
Cancer and lymphoma • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you have or have ever had lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) or any other cancer. • Patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, who have had the disease for a long time, may be at higher risk of developing lymphoma. • Children and adults taking Remsima may have an increased risk of developing lymphoma or another cancer. • Some patients who have received TNF-blockers, including infliximab have developed a rare type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Of these patients, most were teenage boys or young men and most had either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This type of cancer has usually resulted in death. Almost all patients had also received medicines containing azathioprine or mercaptopurine in addition to TNF-blockers. • Some patients treated with infliximab have developed certain kinds of skin cancer. If there are any changes in your skin or growths on the skin during or after therapy, tell your doctor. • Some women being treated for rheumatoid arthritis with infliximab have developed cervical cancer. For women taking Remsima including those over 60 years of age, your doctor may recommend regular screening for cervical cancer. Lung disease or heavy smoking • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you have a lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or if you are a heavy smoker. • Patients with COPD and patients who are heavy smokers may have a higher risk of developing cancer with Remsima treatment. Nervous system disease • Tell your doctor before you are given Remsima if you have or have ever had a problem that affects your nervous system. This includes multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, if you have fits or have been diagnosed with 'optic neuritis'. Tell your doctor straight away if you get symptoms of a nerve disease during treatment with Remsima. Signs include changes in your vision, weakness in your arms or legs, numbness or tingling in any part of your body.
Therapeutic infectious agents • Talk to your doctor if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive treatment with a therapeutic infectious agent (such as BCG instillation used for the treatment of cancer). Operations or dental procedures • Tell your doctor if you are going to have any operations or dental procedures. • Tell your surgeon or dentist that you are having treatment with Remsima by showing them your patient reminder card. Liver problems • Some patients receiving infliximab have developed serious liver problems. • Tell your doctor straight away if you get symptoms of liver problems during treatment with Remsima. Signs include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark-brown coloured urine, pain or swelling in the upper right side of the stomach area, joint pain, skin rashes, or fever. Low blood counts • In some patients receiving infliximab, the body may not make enough of the blood cells that help fight infections or help stop bleeding. • Tell your doctor straight away if you get symptoms of low blood counts during treatment with Remsima. Signs include persistent fever, bleeding or bruising more easily, small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, or looking pale. Immune system disorder • Some patients receiving infliximab have developed symptoms of an immune system disorder called lupus. • Tell your doctor straight away if you develop symptoms of lupus during treatment with Remsima. Signs include joint pain or a rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to the sun. Children and adolescents The information above also applies to children and adolescents. In addition: • Some children and teenage patients who have received TNF-blockers such as infliximab have developed cancers, including unusual types, which sometimes resulted in death. • More children taking infliximab developed infections as compared to adults. • Children should receive recommended vaccinations before starting Remsima treatment. Children may receive some vaccines during treatment with Remsima but should not receive live vaccines while using Remsima. Remsima should only be used in children if they are being treated for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. These children must be 6 years of age or older. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor before you are given Remsima. Other medicines and Remsima Patients who have inflammatory diseases already take medicines to treat their problem. These medicines may cause side effects. Your doctor will advise you what other medicines you must keep using while you are having Remsima. Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, including any other medicines to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing
spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis or medicines obtained without a prescription, such as vitamins and herbal medicines. In particular, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines: • Medicines that affect your immune system. • Kineret (which contains anakinra). Remsima and Kineret should not be used together. • Orencia (which contains abatacept). Remsima and Orencia should not be used together. While using Remsima you should not receive live vaccines. If you were using Remsima during pregnancy or if you are receiving Remsima while breast-feeding, tell your baby's doctor and other health care professionals caring for your baby about your Remsima use before the baby receives any vaccines. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Remsima. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Remsima should only be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding if your doctor feels it is necessary for you. • You should avoid getting pregnant when you are being treated with Remsima and for 6 months after you stop being treated with it. Discuss the use of contraception during this time with your doctor. • If you received Remsima during your pregnancy, your baby may have a higher risk for getting an infection. • It is important that you tell your baby's doctors and other healthcare professionals about your Remsima use before your baby is given any vaccine. If you received Remsima while pregnant, giving BCG vaccine (used to prevent tuberculosis) to your baby within 12 months after birth may result in infection with serious complications, including death. Live vaccines such as the the BCG vaccine should not be given to your baby within 12 months after birth, unless your baby's doctor recommends otherwise. For more information see section on vaccination. • If you are breast-feeding, it is important that you tell your baby's doctors and other healthcare professionals about your Remsima use before your baby is given any vaccine. Live vaccines should not be given to your baby while you are breast-feeding unless your baby's doctor recommends otherwise. • Severely decreased numbers of white blood cells have been reported in infants born to women treated with infliximab during pregnancy. If your baby has continual fevers or infections, contact your baby's doctor immediately. Driving and using machines Remsima is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines. If you feel tired, dizzy, or unwell after having Remsima, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Remsima contains sorbitol Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If you have hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder, you must not receive this medicine. Patients with HFI cannot break down fructose, which may cause serious side effects. You must tell your doctor before receiving this medicine if you (or your child) have HFI or if your child can no longer take sweet foods or drinks because they feel sick, vomit or get unpleasant effects such as bloating, stomach cramps or diarrhoea. Remsima contains polysorbate 80
This medicine contains 1.3 mg of polysorbate 80 in each 100 mg vial which is equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL, and 4.4 mg of polysorbate 80 in each 350 mg vial which is equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies. Remsima contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'. However, before Remsima is given to you, it is mixed with a solution that contains sodium. Talk to your doctor if you are on a low salt diet.
How Remsima will be given Rheumatoid arthritis The usual dose is 3 mg for every kg of body weight. Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease), psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease The usual dose is 5 mg for every kg of body weight. How Remsima is given • Remsima will be given to you by your doctor or nurse. • Your doctor or nurse will prepare the medicine for infusion. • The medicine will be given as an infusion (drip) (over 2 hours) into one of your veins, usually in your arm. After the third treatment, your doctor may decide to give your dose of Remsima over 1 hour. • You will be monitored while you are given Remsima and also for 1 to 2 hours afterwards. How much Remsima is given • The doctor will decide your dose and how often you will be given Remsima. This will depend on your disease, weight and how well you respond to Remsima. • The table below shows how often you will usually have this medicine after your first dose.
2nd dose 2 weeks after your 1st dose 3rd dose 6 weeks after your 1st dose Further doses Every 6 to 8 weeks depending on your disease Use in children and adolescents In children (6 years of age or older) treated for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, the recommended dose is the same as for adults. If you are given too much Remsima As this medicine is being given by your doctor or nurse, it is unlikely that you will be given too much. There are no known side effects of having too much of Remsima. If you forget or miss your Remsima infusion If you forget or miss an appointment to receive Remsima, make another appointment as soon as possible. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However some patients may experience serious side effects and may require treatment. Side effects may also occur after your treatment with Remsima has stopped. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following: • Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of your face, lips, mouth or throat which may
cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, skin rash, hives, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles. Some of these reactions may be serious or life-threatening. An allergic reaction could happen within 2 hours of your injection or later. More signs of allergic side effects that may happen up to 12 days after your injection include pain in the muscles, fever, joint or jaw pain, sore throat or headache. • Signs of a heart problem such as chest discomfort or pain, arm pain, stomach pain, shortness
of breath, anxiety, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, sweating, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, fluttering or pounding in your chest, a fast or a slow heartbeat, and swelling of your feet. • Signs of infection (including TB) such as fever, feeling tired, cough which may be persistent,
shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, weight loss, night sweats, diarrhoea, wounds, collection of pus in the gut or around the anus (abscess), dental problems or burning sensation when urinating. • Possible signs of cancer including but not limited to swelling of lymph nodes, weight loss,
fever, unusual skin nodules, changes in moles or skin colouring, or unusual vaginal bleeding. • Signs of a lung problem such as coughing, breathing difficulties or tightness in the chest. • Signs of a nervous system problem (including eye problems) such as signs of a stroke
(sudden numbness or weakness of your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination or a severe headache), fits, tingling/numbness in any part of your body, or weakness in arms or legs, changes in eyesight such as double vision or other eye problems. • Signs of a liver problem (including hepatitis B infection when you have had hepatitis B in the
past) such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-brown coloured urine, pain or swelling in the upper right side of the stomach area, joint pain, skin rashes, or fever. • Signs of an immune system disorder called lupus such as joint pain or a rash on cheeks or
arms that is sensitive to the sun (lupus) or cough, shortness of breath, fever or skin rash (sarcoidosis). • Signs of low blood counts such as persistent fever, bleeding or bruising more easily, small red
or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, or looking pale. • Signs of serious skin problems such as reddish-target-like spots or circular patches often with
central blisters on the trunk, large areas of peeling and shedding (exfoliating) skin, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes or small pus-filled bumps that can spread over the body. These skin reactions can be accompanied by fever. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the above. The following side effects have been observed with Remsima: Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people • Stomach pain, feeling sick • Viral infections such as herpes or flu • Upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis • Headache • Side effect due to an infusion • Pain.
lips, or thickening of the skin, or red, scaly, and flaky skin • Severe allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis), an immune system disorder called lupus, allergic
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people • Changes in how your liver works, increase in liver enzymes (shown in blood tests) • Lung or chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia • Difficult or painful breathing, chest pain • Bleeding in the stomach or intestines, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn, constipation • Nettle-type rash (hives), itchy rash or dry skin • Balance problems or feeling dizzy • Fever, increased sweating • Circulation problems such as low or high blood pressure • Bruising, hot flush or nosebleed, warm, red skin (flushing) • Feeling tired or weak • Bacterial infections such as blood poisoning, abscess or infection of the skin (cellulitis) • Infection of the skin due to a fungus • Blood problems such as anaemia or low white blood cell count • Swollen lymph nodes • Depression, problems sleeping • Eye problems, including red eyes and infections • Fast heart beat (tachycardia) or palpitations • Pain in the joints, muscles or back • Urinary tract infection • Psoriasis, skin problems such as eczema and hair loss • Reactions at the injection site such as pain, swelling, redness or itching • Chills, a build-up of fluid under the skin causing swelling • Feeling numb or having a tingling feeling. Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people • Shortage of blood supply, swelling of a vein • Collection of blood outside the blood vessels (haematoma) or bruising • Skin problems such as blistering, warts, abnormal skin colouration or pigmentation, or swollen
reactions to foreign proteins • Wounds taking longer to heal • Swelling of the liver (hepatitis) or gall bladder, liver damage • Feeling forgetful, irritable, confused, nervous • Eye problems including blurred or reduced vision, puffy eyes or sties • New or worsening heart failure, slow heart rate • Fainting • Convulsions, nerve problems • A hole in the bowel or blockage of the intestine, stomach pain or cramps • Swelling of your pancreas (pancreatitis) • Fungal infections such as yeast infection, or fungal infection of the nails • Lung problems (such as oedema) • Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) • Narrowed airway in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing • Inflamed lining of the lung, causing sharp chest pains that feel worse with breathing (pleurisy) • Tuberculosis • Kidney infections • Low platelet count, too many white blood cells • Infections of the vagina • Blood test result showing 'antibodies' against your own body. • Changes in cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. • Weight gain (for most patients, the weight gain was small).
of a blood vessel • Inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) • Infections due to a weakened immune system • Hepatitis B infection when you have had hepatitis B in the past • Inflamed liver caused by a problem with the immune system (autoimmune hepatitis) • Liver problem that causes yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) • Abnormal tissue swelling or growth • Severe allergic reaction that may cause loss of consciousness and could be life-threatening
generalised exanthematous pustulosis • Other skin problems such as erythema multiforme, blisters and peeling skin, or boils
(furunculosis) • Serious nervous system disorders such as transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis-like disease,
lymphoma) • Liver failure • Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) • Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare cancer related to infection with human herpes virus 8. Kaposi's
sarcoma most commonly appears as purple lesions on the skin. • Worsening of a condition called dermatomyositis (seen as a skin rash accompanying muscle
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people • A type of blood cancer (lymphoma) • Your blood not supplying enough oxygen to your body, circulation problems such as narrowing
(anaphylactic shock) • Swelling of small blood vessels (vasculitis) • Immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (such as sarcoidosis) • Collections of immune cells resulting from an inflammatory response (granulomatous lesions) • Lack of interest or emotion • Serious skin problems such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and acute
optic neuritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome • Inflammation in the eye that may cause changes in the vision, including blindness • Fluid in the lining of the heart (pericardial effusion) • Serious lung problems (such as interstitial lung disease) • Melanoma (a type of skin cancer) • Cervical cancer • Low blood counts, including a severely decreased number of white blood cells • Small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin • Abnormal values of a blood protein called 'complement factor' which is part of the immune system • Lichenoid reactions (itchy reddish-purple skin rash and/or threadlike white-grey lines on mucous membranes). Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data • Cancer in children and adults • A rare blood cancer affecting mostly teenage boys or young men (hepatosplenic T-cell
weakness) • Heart attack • Stroke • Temporary loss of sight during or within 2 hours of infusion • Infection due to a live vaccine because of a weakened immune system. Additional side effects in children and adolescents Children who took infliximab for Crohn's disease showed some differences in side effects compared with adults who took infliximab for Crohn's disease. The side effects that happened more in children were: low red blood cells (anaemia), blood in stool, low overall levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), redness or blushing (flushing), viral infections, low levels of white blood cells that
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
fight infection (neutropenia), bone fracture, bacterial infection and allergic reactions of the breathing tract. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
"EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. • Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). • This medicine can also be stored in the original carton outside of refrigerated storage up to a maximum of 30°C for a single period of up to 15 days, but not beyond the original expiry date. In this situation, do not return to refrigerated storage again. Write the new expiry date on the carton including day/month/year. Discard this medicine if not used by the new expiry date or the expiry date printed on the carton, whichever is earlier. • It is recommended that when Remsima is prepared for infusion, it is used as soon as possible (within 3 hours). However, if the solution is prepared in germ-free conditions, it can be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C up to 60 days and for an additional 24 hours at 30 °C after removal from the refrigerator. • Do not use this medicine if it is discoloured or if there are particles present.
Kymos, SL Ronda De Can Fatjó 7B, Parc Tecnològic del Vallès, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, 08290, Spain Midas Pharma GmbH Rheinstraße 49 55218 Ingelheim am Rhein Germany For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder: United Kingdom Celltrion Healthcare United Kingdom Limited Tel: +44 (0) 1753 983 500 This leaflet was last revised in {05/2026}.
1. The dose and the number of Remsima vials have to be calculated. Each Remsima vial contains either 100 mg or 350 mg infliximab. The required total volume of Remsima concentrate has to be calculated.
4. Remsima should be visually inspected for particulate matter or discolouration prior to administration. If visibly opaque particles, discolouration or foreign particles are observed it should not be used.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Patients treated with Remsima should be given the patient reminder card. Instructions for use and handling – storage conditions Store at 2°C – 8°C. Remsima may be stored at temperatures up to a maximum of 30°C for a single period of up to 15 days, but not exceeding the original expiry date. The new expiry date must be written on the carton. Upon removal from refrigerated storage, Remsima must not be returned to refrigerated storage. Instructions for use and handling –dilution and administration In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and batch number of the administered medicinal product should be clearly recorded.
2. The required volume of the Remsima concentrate should be withdrawn aseptically and diluted to 250 mL with sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for infusion. Do not dilute the Remsima concentrate with any other diluent. The dilution can be accomplished by withdrawing a volume of the sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for infusion from the 250 mL glass bottle or infusion bag equal to the required volume of Remsima concentrate. The required volume of Remsima concentrate should slowly be added to the 250-mL infusion bottle or bag and gently be mixed. For volumes greater than 250 mL, either use a larger infusion bag (e.g. 500 mL , 1000 mL ) or use multiple 250 mL infusion bags to ensure that the concentration of the infusion solution does not exceed 4 mg/ mL. If stored refrigerated after dilution, the infusion solution must be allowed to equilibrate at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 3 hours prior to Step 3 (infusion).
3. The infusion solution has to be administered over a period of not less than the infusion time recommended (see section 3). Only an infusion set with an in-line, sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding filter (pore size 1.2 micrometre or less) should be used. Since no preservative is present, it is recommended that the administration of the solution for infusion is to be started as soon as possible and within 3 hours of dilution. If not used immediately, in use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C, unless dilution has been taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Any unused portion of the infusion solution should not be stored for reuse.
5. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Remsima 40mg/1ml concentrate for Solution for infusion vial comes as solution containing 40mg/1ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Remsima 40mg/1ml concentrate for Solution for infusion vial is infliximab.
Medicines with the same active substance include: Flixabi 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion, Inflectra 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion, Remicade 100mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion, Remsima 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion, Remsima 120 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Remsima 120 mg/1 ml Solution for injection pre-filled pen (purple). They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Remsima 40mg/1ml concentrate for Solution for infusion vial, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Remsima, in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for the reduction of signs and symptoms as well as the improvement in physical function in:
• adult patients with active disease when the response to disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, has been inadequate.
• adult patients with severe, active and progressive disease not previously treated with methotrexate or other DMARDs.
In these patient populations, a reduction in the rate of the progression of joint damage, as measured by X‑ray, has been demonstrated (see section 5.1).
Adult Crohn's disease
Remsima is indicated for:
• treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, in adult patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an immunosuppressant; or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
• treatment of fistulising, active Crohn's disease, in adult patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with conventional treatment (including antibiotics, drainage and immunosuppressive therapy).
Paediatric Crohn's disease
Remsima is indicated for treatment of severe, active Crohn's disease in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, who have not responded to conventional therapy including a corticosteroid, an immunomodulator and primary nutrition therapy; or who are intolerant to or have contraindications for such therapies. Infliximab has been studied only in combination with conventional immunosuppressive therapy.
Ulcerative colitis
Remsima is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6‑mercaptopurine (6‑MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
Paediatric ulcerative colitis
Remsima is indicated for treatment of severely active ulcerative colitis in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6‑MP or AZA, or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Remsima is indicated for treatment of severe, active ankylosing spondylitis, in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.
Psoriatic arthritis
Remsima is indicated for treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis in adult patients when the response to previous DMARD therapy has been inadequate.
Remsima should be administered
• in combination with methotrexate
• or alone in patients who show intolerance to methotrexate or for whom methotrexate is contraindicated.
Infliximab has been shown to improve physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis, and to reduce the rate of progression of peripheral joint damage as measured by X‑ray in patients with polyarticular symmetrical subtypes of the disease (see section 5.1).
Psoriasis
Remsima is indicated for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapy including ciclosporin, methotrexate or psoralen ultra-violet A (PUVA) (see section 5.1).
Remsima treatment is to be initiated and supervised by qualified physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis. Remsima should be administered intravenously. Remsima infusions should be administered by qualified healthcare professionals trained to detect any infusion‑related issues. Patients treated with Remsima should be given the package leaflet and the patient reminder card.
During Remsima treatment, other concomitant therapies, e.g. corticosteroids and immunosuppressants should be optimised.
It is important to check the product labels to ensure that the correct formulation (intravenous or subcutaneous) is being administered to the patient, as prescribed. Remsima subcutaneous formulation is not intended for intravenous administration and should be administered via a subcutaneous injection only.
Posology
Adults (≥18 years)
Rheumatoid arthritis
3 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 3 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Remsima must be given concomitantly with methotrexate.
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. If a patient has an inadequate response or loses response after this period, consideration may be given to increase the dose step-wise by approximately 1.5 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 7.5 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Alternatively, administration of 3 mg/kg as often as every 4 weeks may be considered. If adequate response is achieved, patients should be continued on the selected dose or dose frequency. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit within the first 12 weeks of treatment or after dose adjustment.
Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by an additional 5 mg/kg infusion 2 weeks after the first infusion. If a patient does not respond after 2 doses, no additional treatment with infliximab should be given. Available data do not support further infliximab treatment, in patients not responding within 6 weeks of the initial infusion.
In responding patients, the alternative strategies for continued treatment are:
• Maintenance: Additional infusion of 5 mg/kg at 6 weeks after the initial dose, followed by infusions every 8 weeks or
• Re‑administration: Infusion of 5 mg/kg if signs and symptoms of the disease recur (see 'Re‑administration' below and section 4.4).
Although comparative data are lacking, limited data in patients who initially responded to 5 mg/kg but who lost response indicate that some patients may regain response with dose escalation (see section 5.1). Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit after dose adjustment.
Fistulising, active Crohn's disease
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusions at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion. If a patient does not respond after 3 doses, no additional treatment with infliximab should be given.
In responding patients, the alternative strategies for continued treatment are:
• Maintenance: Additional infusions of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks or
• Re‑administration: Infusion of 5 mg/kg if signs and symptoms of the disease recur followed by infusions of 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks (see 'Re‑administration' below and section 4.4).
Although comparative data are lacking, limited data in patients who initially responded to 5 mg/kg but who lost response indicate that some patients may regain response with dose escalation (see section 5.1). Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit after dose adjustment.
In Crohn's disease, experience with re‑administration if signs and symptoms of disease recur is limited and comparative data on the benefit/risk of the alternative strategies for continued treatment are lacking.
Ulcerative colitis
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 14 weeks of treatment, i.e. three doses. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit within this time period.
Ankylosing spondylitis
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 6 to 8 weeks. If a patient does not respond by 6 weeks (i.e. after 2 doses), no additional treatment with infliximab should be given.
Psoriatic arthritis
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Psoriasis
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter. If a patient shows no response after 14 weeks (i.e. after 4 doses), no additional treatment with infliximab should be given.
Re‑administration for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis
If the signs and symptoms of disease recur, infliximab can be re‑administered within 16 weeks following the last infusion. In clinical studies, delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been uncommon and have occurred after infliximab-free intervals of less than 1 year (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). The safety and efficacy of re‑administration after an infliximab-free interval of more than 16 weeks has not been established. This applies to both Crohn's disease patients and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Re‑administration for ulcerative colitis
The safety and efficacy of re‑administration, other than every 8 weeks, has not been established (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Re‑administration for ankylosing spondylitis
The safety and efficacy of re‑administration, other than every 6 to 8 weeks, has not been established (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Re‑administration for psoriatic arthritis
The safety and efficacy of re‑administration, other than every 8 weeks, has not been established (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Re‑administration for psoriasis
Limited experience from re‑treatment with one single infliximab dose in psoriasis after an interval of 20 weeks suggests reduced efficacy and a higher incidence of mild to moderate infusion reactions when compared to the initial induction regimen (see section 5.1).
Limited experience from re‑treatment following disease flare by a re‑induction regimen suggests a higher incidence of infusion reactions, including serious ones, when compared to 8‑weekly maintenance treatment (see section 4.8).
Re‑administration across indications
In case maintenance therapy is interrupted, and there is a need to restart treatment, use of a re‑induction regimen is not recommended (see section 4.8). In this situation, infliximab should be re‑initiated as a single dose followed by the maintenance dose recommendations described above.
Special populations
Elderly
Specific studies of infliximab in elderly patients have not been conducted. No major age-related differences in clearance or volume of distribution were observed in clinical studies. No dose adjustment is required (see section 5.2). For more information about the safety of infliximab in elderly patients (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
Renal and/or hepatic impairment
Infliximab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
Crohn's disease (6 to 17 years)
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Available data do not support further infliximab treatment in children and adolescents not responding within the first 10 weeks of treatment (see section 5.1).
Some patients may require a shorter dosing interval to maintain clinical benefit, while for others a longer dosing interval may be sufficient. Patients who have had their dose interval shortened to less than 8 weeks may be at greater risk for adverse reactions. Continued therapy with a shortened interval should be carefully considered in those patients who show no evidence of additional therapeutic benefit after a change in dosing interval.
The safety and efficacy of infliximab have not been studied in children with Crohn's disease below the age of 6 years. Currently available pharmacokinetic data are described in section 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made in children younger than 6 years.
Ulcerative colitis (6 to 17 years)
5 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion followed by additional 5 mg/kg infusion doses at 2 and 6 weeks after the first infusion, then every 8 weeks thereafter. Available data do not support further infliximab treatment in paediatric patients not responding within the first 8 weeks of treatment (see section 5.1).
The safety and efficacy of infliximab have not been studied in children with ulcerative colitis below the age of 6 years. Currently available pharmacokinetic data are described in section 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made in children younger than 6 years.
Psoriasis
The safety and efficacy of infliximab in children and adolescents younger than 18 years for the indication of psoriasis have not been established. Currently available data are described in section 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
The safety and efficacy of infliximab in children and adolescents younger than 18 years for the indications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis have not been established. Currently available data are described in section 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
The safety and efficacy of infliximab in children and adolescents younger than 18 years for the indication of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis have not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 4.8 and 5.2 but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
Infliximab should be administered intravenously over a 2 hour period. All patients administered infliximab are to be observed for at least 1‑2 hours post‑infusion for acute infusion‑related reactions. Emergency equipment, such as adrenaline, antihistamines, corticosteroids and an artificial airway must be available. Patients may be pre‑treated with e.g., an antihistamine, hydrocortisone and/or paracetamol and infusion rate may be slowed in order to decrease the risk of infusion‑related reactions especially if infusion‑related reactions have occurred previously (see section 4.4).
Shortened infusions across adult indications
In carefully selected adult patients who have tolerated at least 3 initial 2‑hour infusions of infliximab (induction phase) and are receiving maintenance therapy, consideration may be given to administering subsequent infusions over a period of not less than 1 hour. If an infusion reaction occurs in association with a shortened infusion, a slower infusion rate may be considered for future infusions if treatment is to be continued. Shortened infusions at doses >6 mg/kg have not been studied (see section 4.8).
For preparation and administration instructions, see section 6.6.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to other murine proteins, or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). Prior to initiating treatment, HFI should be excluded on age-appropriate clinical grounds (see section 4.4).
Patients with tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, abscesses, and opportunistic infections (see section 4.4).
Patients with moderate or severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).
No interaction studies have been performed.
In rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease patients, there are indications that concomitant use of methotrexate and other immunomodulators reduces the formation of antibodies against infliximab and increases the plasma concentrations of infliximab. However, the results are uncertain due to limitations in the methods used for serum analyses of infliximab and antibodies against infliximab.
Corticosteroids do not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of infliximab to a clinically relevant extent.
The combination of infliximab with other biological therapeutics used to treat the same conditions as infliximab, including anakinra and abatacept, is not recommended (see section 4.4).
It is recommended that live vaccines not be given concurrently with infliximab. It is also recommended that live vaccines not be given to infants after in utero exposure to infliximab for 12 months following birth. If infant infliximab serum levels are undetectable or infliximab administration was limited to the first trimester of pregnancy, administration of a live vaccine might be considered at an earlier timepoint if there is a clear clinical benefit for the individual infant (see section 4.4).
Administration of a live vaccine to a breastfed infant while the mother is receiving infliximab is not recommended unless infant infliximab serum levels are undetectable (see sections 4.4 and 4.6).
It is recommended that therapeutic infectious agents not be given concurrently with infliximab (see section 4.4).
Women of childbearing potential
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least 6 months after the last infliximab treatment.
Pregnancy
The moderate number of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to infliximab resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including approximately 1,100 exposed during the first trimester, does not indicate an increase in the rate of malformation in the newborn.
Based on an observational study from Northern Europe, an increased risk (OR, 95% CI; p-value) for C-section (1.50, 1.14-1.96; p = 0.0032), preterm birth (1.48, 1.05-2.09; p = 0.024), small for gestational age (2.79, 1.54-5.04; p = 0.0007), and low birth weight (2.03, 1.41-2.94; p = 0.0002) was observed in women exposed during pregnancy to infliximab (with or without immunomodulators/corticosteroids, 270 pregnancies) as compared to women exposed to immunomodulators and/or corticosteroids only (6,460 pregnancies). The potential contribution of exposure to infliximab and/or the severity of the underlying disease in these outcomes remains unclear.
Due to its inhibition of TNFα, infliximab administered during pregnancy could affect normal immune responses in the newborn. In a developmental toxicity study conducted in mice using an analogous antibody that selectively inhibits the functional activity of mouse TNFα, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity or teratogenicity (see section 5.3).
The available clinical experience is limited. Infliximab should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
Infliximab crosses the placenta and has been detected in the serum of infants up to 12 months following birth. After in utero exposure to infliximab, infants may be at increased risk of infection, including serious disseminated infection that can become fatal. Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to infliximab in utero is not recommended for 12 months after birth (see sections 4.4 and 4.5). If infant infliximab serum levels are undetectable or infliximab administration was limited to the first trimester of pregnancy, administration of a live vaccine might be considered at an earlier timepoint if there is a clear clinical benefit for the individual infant. Cases of agranulocytosis have also been reported (see section 4.8).
Breast‑feeding
Limited data from published literature indicate infliximab has been detected at low levels in human milk at concentrations up to 5% of the maternal serum level. Infliximab has also been detected in infant serum after exposure to infliximab via breast milk. While systemic exposure in a breastfed infant is expected to be low because infliximab is largely degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, the administration of live vaccines to a breastfed infant when the mother is receiving infliximab is not recommended unless infant infliximab serum levels are undetectable. Infliximab could be considered for use during breast-feeding.
Fertility
There are insufficient preclinical data to draw conclusions on the effects of infliximab on fertility and general reproductive function (see section 5.3).
Remsima may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness may occur following administration of infliximab (see section 4.8).
No case of overdose has been reported. Single doses up to 20 mg/kg have been administered without toxic effects.
Ask anything about Remsima 40mg/1ml concentrate for Solution for infusion vial. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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