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Any 'real' difference between Inflectra vs. Remicade?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/27/2017 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
I sure hope not, because I just had my first Inflectra infusion after being told it would be Infliximab for months.

Any experiences or info anyone can relay would be great. Thanks smile
Posted 6/27/2017 10:11 AM (GMT 0)
http://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Living-with-Crohn-s-Colitis/Treatments-medications/Medications/Biosimilars

Here's a link that will explain biosimilars thoroughly. In a nutshell, it may or may not work as well as the original.
Posted 6/27/2017 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
And the side effects may be different.
Posted 6/27/2017 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
They're believed to be equivalent, but I don't know of many who have actually got Inflectra as it is so very new. You'll have to report back and let us know. What country are you in, USA, Canada, other? Just curious on how you got Inflectra!

On a more technical level, Inflectra and Remicade are slightly different molecules in shape and makeup. Much like two snow flakes appear to be very similar but have slight differences. They look, act, and behave similar to each other. When you're talking proteins of this design, it is all about the dock, where this protein is meant to connect to an immune system-generated tnf-alpha protein and make it inert. The docks are compatible. As there are slight differences nobody can guarantee they are exactly the same in effectiveness, safety, etc. But I would wager they are darn close. And the whole biosimilar approval process is baked with that assumption that it must be darn close. Wide usage of biosimilars will confirm or deny it.
Posted 6/27/2017 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I guess, just to be clear: the ingredients of Inflectra still include infliximab, it just also contains an extra additional compound called "dyyb" which is a suffix used by the FDA to distinguish this from other manufacturers. Really, it seems like the same medication just produced by a different drug company.

iPoop - I am in USA - California. The nurse did mention that it is most commonly used in Europe and only recently finding itself on formularies around America.

I have to say, also: one infusion down and I already am noticing improvement. Maybe this is a placebo effect but I stopped all of my mesalamines yesterday and walked out of the infusion center feeling like I was re-born in some way.
Posted 6/27/2017 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Most that have taken Remicade successfully have reported similar effects. Usually you'll feel incredibly better almost instantly. This is a very good sign for you.
Posted 9/12/2017 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Diagnosed with Crohn's 12 years ago, Remicade became my miracle drug after unsuccessfully trying other options. I went from a withering, needing to sometimes be fed by my hubby, spending every half hour on the potty, sleep deprived woman, to a healthy (too much weight, actually), energized, substitute teaching, love playing with my grandchildren, can't keep me down person! I've been on Remicade for 10 years, but have been convinced (by Kaiser) to give Inflectra a try. I'll let all of you know how this switch works for me.
Posted 11/15/2017 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
My son just received the Inflectra infusion last week and he still feels horrible! He was getting the Remicade infusions for 2 years and his new doctor decided to switch him. Not only does he have to take a steroid, but he has take pain meds as well for minor relief. We had to call his doctor to inform he that this new infusion is not effective for him, not sure for anyone else, and he needs to receive the Remicade infusion at his next appointment. I'm assuming it is more effective for someone with mild Crohn's because my son's is moderate to severe and I'm sure that makes a big difference.
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