Name of the Procedure:

Injection, infliximab-dyyb, biosimilar, (Inflectra), 10 mg (Q5103) Common names: Inflectra injection, infliximab-dyyb infusion
Medical terms: Infliximab-dyyb administration, biosimilar monoclonal antibody therapy

Summary

Inflectra is a biosimilar medication administered via injection to treat various autoimmune conditions by reducing inflammation. This procedure involves receiving an intravenous dose of infliximab-dyyb in a clinical setting.

Purpose

Inflectra helps manage autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis by targeting and neutralizing specific proteins that cause inflammation. The goal is to reduce symptoms, prevent disease progression, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Indications

• Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Plaque psoriasis Indications include patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments or who require additional therapy to control symptoms.

Preparation

• Discuss any allergies or current medications with your healthcare provider.
• Routine blood tests may be required to assess overall health.
• Pre-medication with antihistamines or corticosteroids may be given to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
• No specific fasting is typically required.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated comfortably in a clinic or hospital setting.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm.
3. Inflectra is administered through the IV line, typically over 1-2 hours.
4. Healthcare professionals monitor the patient for any adverse reactions during and after the infusion. Equipment used includes IV catheters, infusion pumps, and monitoring devices. Sedation or general anesthesia is generally not required.

Duration

The infusion typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Inflectra injections are commonly performed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or specialized infusion centers.

Personnel

The procedure involves:

• A trained nurse or infusion specialist to administer the IV infusion.
• A healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, to oversee the treatment and address any complications.

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Mild to moderate allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
• Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling) Rare risks:
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Increased risk of infections due to immune system suppression
• Potential for liver toxicity or heart issues

Benefits

• Reduction in disease symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling)
• Slowing disease progression
• Improved joint function and quality of life Benefits can be realized within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual's response to treatment.

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the infusion.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient’s response and adjust dosages if necessary.
• Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

Alternatives

Other treatment options:

• Conventional DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate)
• Other biologic drugs (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept)
• Non-biologic treatments such as corticosteroids Each alternative has its own risks and benefits; discussing these with a healthcare provider will help determine the best approach for the patient's specific condition.

Patient Experience

• During the infusion, patients typically feel minimal discomfort, though some may experience mild side effects such as headache or fatigue.
• Post-procedure symptoms can include temporary fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms.
• Pain management may not be necessary, but comfort measures like warm blankets and hydration are provided to ensure a positive experience.