Vaccinations should be given with caution. Data is lacking on the efficacy and safety of vaccine administration in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently. Infliximab should not be administered to patients with known hypersensitivity to any murine proteins or other component of the product. Hypersensitivity reactions manifested by urticaria, dyspnea, and hypotension have occurred with the infusion of infliximab.
Severe reactions require infusion discontinuation.
Serious infections, such as sepsis, have occurred in patients receiving infliximab. Many of these patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressive therapy for their Crohn's or rheumatoid arthritis that may have predisposed them to infection. Infliximab should be avoided in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infections. If a patient develops an infection, infliximab treatment should be discontinued. Infliximab should not be given to a patient with an active infection.