Infliximab: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your immune system attacks your own body, infliximab, a biologic drug that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that drives inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Also known as Remicade, it’s one of the first and most widely used biologic drugs for conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike pills that work slowly, infliximab is given through an IV and starts calming down your immune system within weeks.

It works by targeting TNF-alpha, a key signaling protein that tells the body to create inflammation. In autoimmune diseases, your body makes too much of it, leading to swelling, pain, and tissue damage. Infliximab latches onto TNF-alpha like a key in a lock, stopping it from triggering the attack. This doesn’t cure the disease, but it can put it into remission—meaning symptoms disappear and damage slows down. Many people who couldn’t walk or eat without pain find they can return to normal life after starting infliximab.

It’s not for everyone. If you have active tuberculosis, heart failure, or certain nervous system disorders, your doctor will likely avoid it. Before starting, you’ll need a TB test and maybe a chest X-ray. You’ll also be watched closely for infections during treatment, since blocking TNF can make it harder for your body to fight off bugs. Some people develop mild side effects like headaches or rash. Rarely, it can trigger serious reactions, including liver problems or new autoimmune conditions. But for millions, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Infliximab is often used when other treatments fail. It’s not a first-line pill like methotrexate or sulfasalazine—it’s the next step when those don’t cut it. It’s also used in combination with other drugs like azathioprine to boost effectiveness. And while biosimilars (like infliximab-abda or infliximab-dyyb) are now available and cheaper, they work the same way. You’re not getting a weaker version—you’re getting the same medicine, just without the brand name markup.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world stories and science-backed facts about how infliximab fits into the bigger picture of autoimmune care. You’ll see how it compares to other biologics, what patients report after months on it, how it interacts with other meds, and why some people stop taking it. You’ll also find posts about related conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and how treatments like budesonide or selegiline fit into broader health strategies. This isn’t just a drug guide—it’s a map to understanding your treatment options, your body’s response, and how to talk to your doctor about what’s working.