[GingerSue]

Infliximab is used in Crohn's disease against TNF-alpha, but it is not used in ulcerative colitis.
TNF-alpha has been implicated in promoting ulcerative colitis.

Why isn't infliximab used in UC?

(according to Lewis & Heitkempter page 1077 "infliximab ... is not used in ulcerative colitis")

[sirI]

It is utilized in UC:

http://www.remicade.com/remicade/uc/uc_index.html

[GingerSue]

thanks,
guess my textbook (Lewis & Heitkemper) is - not up-to-date (or something).

[core0]

Originally Posted by GingerSue

thanks,
guess my textbook (Lewis & Heitkemper) is - not up-to-date (or something).

The Remicade indication is relatively recent. It was used off label long before that. Currently Humira is also being used off label for UC and it is approved for Crohn's. Interestingly Enbrel which is another anti-TNF drug has little to no effect on IBD. There are a number of IL-2 drugs that are also in late stage testing. Textbooks are usually not very helpful for drugs. I like Up-to-date for current info.

David Carpenter, PA-C