Remsima (Infliximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Remsima is a prescription medication approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of severe, active, progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Remsima is indicated for use in combination with Methotrexate. Remsima may be referred to by its drug name, Infliximab.

Remsima is a biosimilar of Remicade. As defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a biosimilar is a biological product that is approved based on a showing that it is highly similar to an already-approved biological product.

Remsima is an immunomodulator, or drug that modulates the immune system. It is considered a biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is a genetically engineered antibody used by the immune system to identify and neutralize substances. Remsima is believed to work by attaching to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical messenger involved in autoimmune attacks. Remsima binds to TNF-α and prevents it from signaling the immune system to attack the connective tissues.

How do I take it?
Remsima is administered as an intravenous infusion every eight weeks after initial loading doses.

Remsima is available in vial form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Remsima lists common side effects including headache, dizziness, cold and flu symptoms, infections, lowered white blood cell count, rash, dry skin, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Remsima can include blood disorders, severe infections, infusion reactions, increased risk for certain types of cancer, and the development of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Infliximab during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Remsima – Celltrion
http://www.celltrionhealthcare.com/remsima/com/