FDA Approves Centocor's Remicade

Remicade reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.

Remicade is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat severe or disabling plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin).

Infliximab is often used when other medicines have not been effective.

This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis). In these conditions, the body's defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissues. Infliximab works by blocking the actions of a certain natural substance (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in the body. This helps to decrease swelling (inflammation) and weaken your immune system, thereby slowing or stopping the damage from the disease.

Remicade, administered through intravenous infusion, has been approved for improvement in physical function for individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This recent approval is in addition to previous approvals for inhibiting the progression of structural damage and for reducing signs and symptoms of RA. The drug indicated for the treatment of Crohn's disease as well and is the only biologic drug approved for these two conditions. Remicade is also the first drug approved for this most recent indication. For RA treatment, Remicade is to be used in combination with methotrexate, a standard treatment for RA. The combination treatment is given six to eight times per year.

RA is a debilitating, chronic disease that affects more than two million Americans. This autoimmune disease causes the body's immune system to attack multiple joints, leading to pain, swelling and eventually to irreversile joint damage.

This medication is used to treat certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis), certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and a certain severe skin disease (chronic plaque psoriasis). In these conditions, the body's defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissues. Infliximab works by blocking the actions of a certain natural substance (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in the body. This helps to decrease swelling (inflammation) and weaken your immune system, thereby slowing or stopping the damage from the disease.