What is Remicade?
Remicade has the generic name of infliximab, and is marketed by Centocor, Inc., a division of Johnson and Johnson. Remicade is part of the class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Remicade is designed to block a protein in the body known as tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, which is believed to cause inflammation in the body. The blocking of TNF may reduce inflammation in the body. It is prescribed in order to treat various ailments including auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal problems including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Remicade has also been used to treat ankylosing spondylitiis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Remicade is in the same class of drugs as Enbrel, marketed by Amgen, and Humira, which, is marketed by Abbott Laboratories. Some reports indicate that the TNF-blocking drugs account for sales of $4.1 billion in the year 2003. Over 634,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Remicade.
Remicade Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Remicade may include stomach pain, headache, rash, back pain, and respiratory infections, including sinus infections. Remicade is linked to some very harmful side effects including serious infections, heart failure, blood problems, cancer, nervous system disorders, and liver problems. Medications that affect the immune system like Remicade may make the patient more susceptible to infection including very serious infections including tuberculosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also referred to as the CDC, 12 cases of tuberculosis were reported between January of 2002 and August 2003, in patients who had used Remicade or Enbrel. Two of the twelve patients who were diagnosed with tuberculosis died after undergoing treatment for the lung disease. Doctors who prescribe Remicade have been advised to test patients for tuberculosis before beginning Remicade treatment. In addition, patients should be aware of symptoms indicating infection including flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, and a feeling of tiredness.
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Remicade and Liver Failure
Remicade may also be linked to severe liver damage. Some patients who experienced severe liver damage were forced to receive a liver transplant due to the liver disease, and some patients died as a result of acute liver failure. Some reports indicate that liver failure has occurred in 35 patients worldwide since Remicade was approved. It is estimated that 576,000 patients were treated during that time period. Patients taking Remicade should be wary of symptoms of liver failure, which include jaundice, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Remicade and Cancer
Remicade may be linked to increased instances of the blood cancer lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Reports have indicated that Remicade may increase the risk of lymphoma three-fold, when compared to people not taking the medicine. In 2004, the FDA asked Centocor to include a warning for Remicade, identifying the possible increased risk of lymphoma.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Remicade and noticed adverse side effects, such as tuberculosis or lymphoma, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Remicade litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP?s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Remicade. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Remicade Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Remicade-P75/'>Remicade: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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