Description
Drug Info: ApoThera Drug Disease Clinical Support App
IV Administration
– The infusion should begin within 3 hours of reconstitution and dilution
– Infuse over at least 2 hours; do not infuse with other agents; use in-line low protein binding filter (≤1.2 micron)
– Temporarily discontinue or decrease infusion rate with infusion-related reactions.
– Antihistamines (H1-antagonist +/- H2-antagonist), acetaminophen and/or corticosteroids may be used to manage reactions. Infusion may be reinitiated at a lower rate upon resolution of mild to moderate symptoms.
Storage
Intact Vials
– Store intact vials at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
– May be stored at room temperature (maximum of 30°C [86°F]) for up to 6 months (not to exceed the original expiration date)
– Do not return to refrigerated storage
Diluted Solutions
– The manufacturer recommends that solutions diluted in NS for infusion should be used within 3 hours of preparation
– However, a stability study of infliximab 0.4 mg/mL prepared in NS in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags found no loss of biological activity when stored refrigerated at 4°C for up to 14 days
Monitoring
– Monitor improvement of symptoms and physical function assessments
– During infusion, if reaction is noted, monitor vital signs every 2 to 10 minutes, depending on reaction severity, until normal
– Active and latent TB screening prior to initiating and during therapy
– Signs/symptoms of infection (prior to, during, and following therapy)
– CBC with differential
– Signs/symptoms/worsening of heart failure
– HBV screening prior to initiating (all patients), HBV carriers (during and for several months following therapy)
– Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction
– Symptoms of lupus-like syndrome
– LFTs (discontinue if >5 times ULN)
– Signs and symptoms of malignancy (splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss).
– Psoriasis patients with history of phototherapy should be monitored for nonmelanoma skin cancer.
