Remicade (infliximab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional. Remicade may be safe to receive while pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Remicade is a safe option for you.
It’s generally considered safe to receive Remicade IV infusions while pregnant. (An IV infusion is an injection into a vein given over a period of time.) But if you’re pregnant or considering becoming pregnant while receiving Remicade, let your doctor know before starting treatment.
Remicade may cross the placenta during the last trimester of pregnancy. Exposure to Remicade may lower the function of an infant’s immune system and increase their risk of infection.
Infants who were exposed to Remicade during the third trimester of pregnancy should not receive live vaccines until they’re older than 6 months. (Live vaccines contain a weakened form of a germ or virus it’s meant to protect against.)
Autoimmune conditions and pregnancy
Studies report that unmanaged autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may affect an infant’s weight at birth. It may also be associated with early delivery (before 37 weeks).
Because of this, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of receiving Remicade while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Remicade could have on you or your child.
A small amount of Remicade may pass into breast milk if the drug is received while breastfeeding. However, the drug is not thought to increase infections or cause problems in children who are breastfed.
If you’re breastfeeding or considering doing so during your Remicade treatment, talk with your doctor. They’ll help you decide whether the benefits of receiving Remicade outweigh any possible risk to your child.
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