From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to receive an Inflectra (infliximab) infusion while taking antibiotics, but you should always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're currently taking. The decision ultimately depends on your specific medical condition, the type of infection being treated, and the antibiotic prescribed. In many cases, treating an active infection with antibiotics before receiving Inflectra is actually preferred, as infliximab suppresses the immune system and could potentially worsen an untreated infection 1. If you have a serious or severe infection, your doctor might recommend postponing your Inflectra infusion until the infection is adequately controlled. This is because Inflectra works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein involved in inflammation, which also plays a role in fighting infections. The timing between antibiotic administration and your infusion may be important, so follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding when to take your antibiotics in relation to your infusion appointment. Always report any signs of infection such as fever, persistent cough, or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Some key points to consider:
- The type of antibiotic and the specific infection being treated can impact the decision to receive Inflectra while on antibiotics 1.
- Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting the timing of your antibiotic doses in relation to your Inflectra infusion.
- It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're currently taking, including antibiotics, to ensure safe and effective treatment.
- Inflectra can increase the risk of infections, so it's crucial to monitor for signs of infection and report any concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.
In terms of specific guidelines, the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends treating active infections with antibiotics before initiating infliximab therapy, especially in cases of severe or serious infections 1. However, the decision to receive Inflectra while on antibiotics should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual patient factors and medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
From the Research
Inflectra Infusion and Antibiotics
- There is no direct evidence that suggests Inflectra (Infliximab) infusion cannot be administered while on antibiotics 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is essential to note that Inflectra is an immunosuppressive medication, and its use may increase the risk of infections, including those that require antibiotic treatment 3, 4.
- A case report suggests that prophylactic antibiotic therapy can be effective in preventing recurrent cutaneous abscesses in patients receiving Inflectra infusions 4.
- Another study reports two cases of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) with active ulcerative colitis flare, where patients did not respond to antibiotics but had rapid resolution of CDI symptoms after receiving Inflectra infusion 5.
- The safety and tolerability of Inflectra infusion have been studied, and the results suggest that a 1-hour infusion is safe and well-tolerated during maintenance therapy 6.
Key Considerations
- Patients receiving Inflectra infusions should be closely monitored for signs of infection, and antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly if necessary 3, 4, 5.
- The use of prophylactic antibiotic therapy may be considered in patients with a history of recurrent infections or those at high risk of developing infections while receiving Inflectra infusions 4.
- The decision to administer Inflectra infusion while on antibiotics should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's medical history, current condition, and potential risks and benefits 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.