Infliximab Eye Medicine: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Infliximab is a powerful medicine used to treat severe eye inflammation, specifically certain types of uveitis, by suppressing the immune system.

Drug class	Biologic (Anti-TNF)
Type	Single
Forms	Intravenous Infusion
Common strength	100 mg vial
Common Indian brands	Remicade, Infimab
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital use)

What Infliximab is used for

Infliximab is an important medicine used to treat specific, severe eye conditions that involve inflammation. It is typically prescribed when other treatments have not been effective enough.

Refractory Behcet’s uveitis: This is a severe form of eye inflammation (uveitis) associated with Behcet’s disease, which is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition affecting various parts of the body. ‘Refractory’ means that the condition has not responded well to standard treatments.
Severe non-infectious uveitis: Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. ‘Non-infectious’ means it’s not caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs. Infliximab is used for severe cases where the inflammation is significant and persistent, and other treatments have not been sufficient to control it.

These conditions can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and vision loss. Infliximab aims to reduce this inflammation and protect your vision.

How it works

Infliximab belongs to a category of medicines called immunomodulators, and more specifically, it is a ‘biologic’ medicine. Biologic medicines are made from living organisms and are designed to target specific parts of the immune system.

Our immune system normally protects us from infections and diseases. However, in conditions like uveitis, the immune system can become overactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissues in the eye, leading to inflammation. Infliximab works by blocking a specific protein in the body called TNF-alpha (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha).

TNF-alpha is a natural substance produced by the body that plays a key role in causing inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha, Infliximab helps to reduce the inflammation in your eyes, thereby controlling the disease and preventing further damage. Because it is a powerful medicine that works by suppressing the immune system, it helps to calm down the overactive immune response that is causing the eye inflammation.

This medicine is given as an intravenous infusion, which means it is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a drip.

How it’s used

Infliximab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is administered directly into your vein through a drip. This procedure is always carried out in a hospital or clinic setting by healthcare professionals.

The typical dosing schedule involves an initial phase followed by a maintenance phase:

Initial Dosing: You will receive infusions at Week 0 (the first dose), Week 2 (two weeks after the first dose), and Week 6 (six weeks after the first dose).
Maintenance Dosing: After the initial three doses, you will typically receive an infusion every 8 weeks (approximately every two months).

Each infusion session will take place in a day-care setting at the hospital or clinic. This allows medical staff to monitor you closely during and after the infusion to ensure your safety and address any immediate concerns. It is crucial to attend all your scheduled appointments to ensure the medicine works effectively and to maintain control over your eye condition.

This medicine is never for self-use and is always administered by specialists.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Remicade
Infimab

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Please note

Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.

Precautions & side effects

Infliximab is a powerful medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. While this is necessary to control severe inflammation, it also means that certain precautions are very important to ensure your safety and well-being.

TB Screening: Before you start Infliximab, it is mandatory to undergo screening for tuberculosis (TB). This is because suppressing the immune system can reactivate latent (hidden) TB infections. Your doctor will arrange for the necessary tests to check for TB.
Hepatitis Screening: Screening for hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) is also usually required before starting treatment.
Risk of Infection: Because Infliximab suppresses your immune system, it raises your risk of developing infections. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, persistent cough, or unusual fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, please inform your doctor immediately.
Specialist Supervision: This medicine is used only under the strict supervision of a specialist doctor. They will monitor your condition closely and conduct regular tests to check for any potential side effects or complications.
Hospital or Clinic Administration: Infliximab is always given by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting. It is never for self-use. You will receive the infusion in a day-care setting, allowing healthcare professionals to observe you during and after the treatment.
Inform Your Doctor: Always inform your doctor about your complete medical history, including any past or current infections, other medical conditions, and all medicines you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies).
Vaccinations: Discuss your vaccination status with your doctor, as some vaccines may not be safe to receive while on Infliximab.

Your doctor will explain all the potential risks and benefits of Infliximab and will guide you through the necessary precautions. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Understanding Uveitis and Its Impact

Uveitis is a general term for inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of your eye. The uvea consists of the iris (the coloured part of your eye), the ciliary body (which produces fluid inside your eye), and the choroid (a layer of blood vessels that nourishes the back of your eye). When any part of the uvea becomes inflamed, it can lead to various symptoms and, if left untreated, potentially serious complications.

Symptoms of uveitis can include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, and sometimes even floaters (small spots or lines that seem to drift across your vision). The severity of these symptoms can vary greatly depending on which part of the uvea is affected and how severe the inflammation is.

Infliximab is specifically used for severe forms of uveitis, such as refractory Behcet’s uveitis and severe non-infectious uveitis. ‘Non-infectious’ means that the inflammation is not caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs, but rather by an overactive immune response within your own body. ‘Refractory’ means that the condition has been difficult to treat with standard medicines. These types of uveitis can be particularly challenging and, if not controlled effectively, can lead to permanent vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye damage. By reducing the inflammation, Infliximab helps to protect your vision and prevent further complications.

General Eye Care and Hygiene

While Infliximab is administered intravenously, maintaining good general eye care and hygiene is always important, especially when dealing with an eye condition. Even though you are not directly applying medicine to your eyes, keeping your eyes clean and healthy can support your overall treatment plan.

Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or face. This helps prevent the introduction of germs that could cause further irritation or infection.
Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if they feel irritated. Rubbing can worsen inflammation or introduce germs.
Protect Your Eyes: If you are sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses outdoors can provide comfort and protection.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, discuss this with your doctor. They may advise you to temporarily stop wearing them, particularly if your eyes are inflamed or if there’s a risk of infection.
Regular Check-ups: Continue to attend all your scheduled eye check-ups, even if your symptoms improve. Regular monitoring by your ophthalmologist is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to detect any potential issues early.

When to Seek Medical Help

Being on a powerful medicine like Infliximab requires you to be vigilant about your health and to know when to contact your medical team. While the medicine aims to improve your eye condition, it’s important to be aware of any new or worsening symptoms, both related to your eyes and your general health.

Worsening Eye Symptoms: If you notice any sudden worsening of your eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. This could indicate a flare-up of your uveitis or another eye issue.
Signs of Infection: As Infliximab suppresses your immune system, it’s crucial to watch for signs of infection. These can include fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, unusual fatigue, skin rashes, or any new lumps or sores. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor right away.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to intravenous infusions. Symptoms might include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, or a widespread rash. If you experience any severe symptoms during or after an infusion, alert the medical staff immediately.
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: Report any unexplained bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums, or easy bruising to your doctor.
Other Concerns: If you experience any other new, unusual, or concerning symptoms while on Infliximab, it is always best to discuss them with your doctor or the medical team at Pristine Eye Hospitals. They are there to support you and ensure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is Infliximab used for?

Infliximab is used to treat severe eye inflammation, specifically refractory Behcet's uveitis and severe non-infectious uveitis, when other treatments have not been effective. It helps to reduce inflammation and protect your vision.

How does Infliximab work?

Infliximab is a biologic medicine that works by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha, which plays a key role in causing inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha, it helps to suppress the overactive immune system that is causing inflammation in your eyes.

What are the common brands of Infliximab available in India?

In India, common brands for Infliximab include Remicade and Infimab.

How is Infliximab administered?

Infliximab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a drip. It is always administered by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting, never for self-use.

Do I need a prescription for Infliximab?

Yes, Infliximab is a prescription-only medicine and is used exclusively in a hospital setting under specialist supervision.

What are the key precautions I need to take while on Infliximab?

Key precautions include mandatory screening for tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis before starting treatment. Because it suppresses the immune system, it raises the risk of infection, so you must report any signs of infection to your doctor immediately. It is only used under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.