WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, AND TAKING REMICADE FOR CROHNS OR ULCERATIVE COLITIS DISEASE?
The immune system protects the body by responding to invading material like bacteria, viruses and other foreign matter by producing antibodies and putting them into action to fight off the “invaders”. In both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, your body’s immune system produces too much TNF-alpha as part of your immune system’s response. Too much TNF-alpha can cause inflammation and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the body’s bones, cartilage and tissues. Taking Remicade can block TNF-alpha that causes inflammation but it can also lower your immune system’s ability to fight off infections. So taking Remicade can make you more prone to getting infections or can make an existing infection worse. You should call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection.
