Remicade - Infliximab

Remicade (infliximab), a drug manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Centocor, is used to treat arthritis. Like Enbrel, another popular arthritis drug, Remicade has been associated with potentially deadly infections, including tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, listeriosis, and pneumocystosis. In addition to infection concerns, the FDA recently warned that Remicade use by patients suffering from congestive heart failure may be dangerous.
On August 15, 2001, Centocor announced that the company was adding a so-called "black box warning" to Remicade's label in order to better inform doctors and patients of the increased chance of developing tuberculosis while taking the drug. The announcement precedes a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into the safety of both Remicade and Enbrel.

A black box warning is the strongest available to drug manufacturers. Centocor recommends that patients undergo testing for tuberculosis before starting arthritis treatment with Remicade. In addition, the company claims that the drug has been associated with 84 cases of tuberculosis and at least 14 deaths.

In August 2004, the FDA and Centocor revised the WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS sections of the labeling for Remicade. Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia and pancytopenia, some with fatal outcome, and cases of CNS manifestation of systemic vasculitis, were described in patients receiving Remicade. The ADVERSE REACTIONS section was updated to include neutropenia, pericardial effusion and systemic and cutaneous vasculitis.

See your doctor if you are suffering from Remicade side effects. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

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