{"id":628101,"date":"2024-05-08T18:47:24","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T22:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628101"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:58:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:58:14","slug":"remicade-for-ulcerative-colitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/remicade-for-ulcerative-colitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Remicade for ulcerative colitis: Dosage, efficacy & more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Frequent bloody diarrhea is one of the hallmark symptoms of <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a>, an inflammatory disease of the colon or large intestine. When disease symptoms escalate to a moderate or severe degree, healthcare providers may prescribe strong medications to douse the flames of inflammation. One such drug is <\/span>Remicade<\/span><\/a> (infliximab), a monoclonal antibody that blocks the biochemical cascade that fuels this autoimmune disease. As an intravenous infusion given to both halt flare-ups and maintain disease remission, Remicade has powerful potential but also very real risks.  <\/span><\/p>\n

The role of Remicade for ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Infliximab is an antibody that intercepts one of the key messengers of the immune system’s signaling pathway. It blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which can cause inflammation. Ulcerative <\/span>colitis<\/span><\/a> (UC) is marked by high levels of TNF-alpha in the intestinal wall, where it stokes more inflammation. Remicade can put a stop to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like many diseases, including the other well-known inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, UC has <\/span>varying severities<\/span><\/a>. Mild UC is typified by fewer than four bloody stools per day and no systemic symptoms, like anemia, weight loss, or elevated inflammatory markers (measured with blood tests). When the disease is more severe, bloody diarrhea intensifies, and anemia and abdominal pain may occur. At worst, these elements can be more profound, causing weight loss, fever, or <\/span>tachycardia<\/span><\/a> (a heart rate above 100 beats per minute). Healthcare providers call upon Remicade for patient care if they fall into the moderate to severe categories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Remicade for ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Stopping the daily impact of frequent diarrhea and pain is a welcome benefit of Remicade. At another level, UC control boosts one’s overall health. With the immune system not using resources to fight a war on its own body, our systems can devote more proteins and energy to daily living. A <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> of clinical studies has demonstrated the drug’s effectiveness in inducing remission from a UC flare.<\/span><\/p>\n

As an intravenous (IV) infusion, Remicade requires a healthcare professional to place an IV catheter and administer the medication in a medical clinic. Some people like the fact that Remicade isn’t a self-injection. But on the flip side, it may be inconvenient to go to a clinic or infusion center to get Remicade infusions on a regular basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Remicade infusions: What to expect<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Remicade dosages for ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dosages of Remicade are established for the induction and maintenance of disease remission. It is weight-based, and the dose can be increased if needed to maintain control. Alternatively, the interval between doses can be adjusted, becoming more frequent if needed. Here’s the typical Remicade dosing schedule:<\/span><\/p>\n