Infusion reactions and their management

Infusion reactions are the most common adverse events associated with the use of infliximab (Renticade), a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Acute and delayed infusion reactions have been described. They may be related to the presence of antibodies to infliximab, but the reactions arc typically not IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, making it possible to retreat patients using specific protocols. These protocols are detailed in this article.