Infliximab (Remicade) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. As stated in Mednet and many other sources, monoclonal antibodies are man-made substances used to fight proteins that mistakenly attack normal tissues. When these proteins are left unabated to attack healthy cells, autoimmune disorders can emerge. Infliximab (Remicade) binds and blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) – that regulates and promotes inflammation in the body – from reaching its target receptors. In chronic inflammatory diseases, the body produces too much TNF-alpha, causing the body to attack normal cells in the digestive tract and unnecessary inflammation. Blocking TNF will reduce inflammation and the problems and symptoms associated with its excess such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Possible side effects of taking infliximab (Remicade) include:
- respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat
- headache
- coughing
- stomach pain
These side effects result from the fact that in order to treat the chronic inflammation caused by overstimulation of the immune system, the immune system is now hampered and may struggle to combat normal everyday infections.
Infusion reactions can occur up to two hours after injection of the drug which include:
- respiratory infections, such as sinus infections and sore throat
- headache
- coughing
- stomach pain
- shortness of breath
Infusion reactions are due to agents in the drug that may cause an acute cytokine release. These symptoms usually go away completely within 24 hours of the infusion.
This drug can also make you more susceptible to other diseases and infections due to the fact that it negatively inhibits your innate immune system and affects your body’s ability to fight infections – particularly it’s ability to mount an inflammatory response. Serious infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses have occurred and can be fatal. Many cancers have been reported in people taking infliximab (Remicade) along with liver injury, blood and nervous system problems, and allergic reactions. This drug is usually taken when other methods and immunotherapies were unsuccessful, as it does come with high risks. Infliximab (Remicade) has to be administered through an IV drip by a health care professional forcing patients to visit the hospital or doctors office once every 8 weeks.
According to an article by the Archives of Medical Science, TNF was only recently characterized around 30 years ago. This means we’re looking at pretty new medicine that doesn’t have all of the kinks worked out. TNF inhibitors currently have a lack of ligand selectivity and this may be the reason or all of the severe side effects. If we could make it specific for the type of receptor associated with chronic inflammatory diseases we could make it less of a hindrance on the overall immune system. But, so far this is the best we have to work with and it has been found that many of the successes outweigh the possible consequences. It be what it be.
microBIOLOGY 