What is the difference between Renflexis and Remicade?
Renflexis (infliximab-abda) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that is biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab).
According to the FDA, a biosimilar is shown to have no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety and effectiveness from the reference product -- in this case Remicade. Only minor differences in clinically inactive components are allowable in biosimilar products.
Learn more: What Are Biosimilars? Top Facts You May Not Know
Renflexis is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion similar to Remicade, and is used for the same conditions, specifically treatment of:
- Crohn's disease
- ulcerative colitis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- psoriatic arthritis
- plaque psoriasis.
The first biosimilar to Remicade, Pfizer’s Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) was approved by the FDA in April, 2016.
For more information, see Comparing Remicade vs Renflexis.
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Which is more affordable, Renflexis or Remicade?
- The cost for one Renflexis intravenous powder for injection is around $796 per 100 mg vial.
- The cost for one Remicade intravenous powder for injection is around $1,229 per 100 mg vial.
- More than one vial may be needed for a full dose. Prices can vary based on insurance, pharmacies and locations.
Dosing is based on your weight and clinical condition. See more information here:
This is not all the information you need to know about Remicade or Renflexis for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full product information, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Renflexis (infliximab-abda). Product information. Accessed April 5, 2021 at https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/r/renflexis/renflexis_pi.pdf
- Remicade (infliximab). Product information. Accessed April 5, 2021 at https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/REMICADE-pi.pdf
- Price Guide. Drugs.com. Accessed April 5, 2021 at https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/
Read next
What is the difference between Inflectra and Remicade?
Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) is a biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab). They belong to the same class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alfa inhibitors. Inflectra can be prescribed for the same uses as Remicade, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. Continue reading
What is the mechanism of action of infliximab?
Infliximab works by binding specifically to a protein called TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), which is released by white blood cells as part of our body’s immune response to infection or foreign substances. Overproduction of TNF-α can cause inflammation which can damage tissues, bones, and cartilage, and also cell death. When infliximab binds to TNF-α, it blocks its effects, and this reduces inflammation. Increased levels of TNF-alfa have been found in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Continue reading
Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
Prednisone first came onto the market over sixty years ago and is still going strong. But did you know that this common drug used for a variety of different conditions also has some pretty serious side effects as well? Continue reading
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