A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Infliximab belongs to the class of medications called biological response modifiers (biologics) or TNF blockers. It is used to treat moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis (a condition that causes some of the bones in the spine to fuse together), as well as moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, in combination with methotrexate when methotrexate alone is inadequate. It works by turning down parts of the immune system that are believed to be involved in these conditions. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Active Ingredients: 100 mg of Infliximab Nonmedicinal Ingredients: dibasic sodium phosphate, dihydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate, monohydrate, polysorbate 80, and sucrose.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: fever or chills, muscle or joint pain swelling of the hands or feet (if there is no shortness of breath). Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.