title: Infliximab: new indication. Ulcerative colitis: caution is needed due to long-term risks.
abstract: When treatment for ulcerative colitis with steroids and immunosuppressants is ineffective or poorly tolerated, two placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated that infliximab yields remissions permitting steroid withdrawal in about 20% of patients. However, the long-term risks of infections and cancer mean that infliximab should be reserved for the most severely ill patients.
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017277:Drug Approval; D005060:Europe; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents