Remicade Uses

Remicade uses can be applied to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, skin, and digestive system. The medication works by keeping the immune system from attacking the body, which improves symptoms and, in some cases, prevents future damage from occurring. Some off-label Remicade uses include treating Behcet's disease and acute graft-versus-host disease.

 

Remicade Uses: An Overview

Remicade® (infliximab) is a prescription medication licensed to treat certain inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, skin, or digestive system. Specific Remicade uses include the treatment of:
 

Remicade Uses for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful arthritis of the spine. The immune system begins functioning abnormally and starts attacking the spine. This results in pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Other ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may include changes in vision and possible problems with the heart, lungs, or digestive system.
 
Remicade is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of active ankylosing spondylitis.
 

Remicade Uses for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. There are several different types of IBD, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common. They all cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Although much research is under way, Crohn's disease causes are not well understood.
 
Depending on how serious your condition is, your doctor may recommend one or more treatment options. These include:
 
Although Remicade is not a Crohn's cure, it is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and to maintain remission. The drug is also approved to reduce the number of fistulas -- one of the complications of Crohn's disease. These are sores and ulcers that become deep and tunnel through the different layers of the intestines and into the tissues of nearby organs, such as:
 
  • The rectum
  • Other parts of the intestine
  • The bladder
  • The vagina
  • The skin.
     
(Remicade Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;