Infliximab is an anti TNF (anti-tumour necrosis factor) drug which has not currently been approved by NICE for use in AS.
3 anti TNF drugs, adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab were considered by NICE for use in AS in 2008. NICE decided that, while adalimumab and etanercept should be made available to people with AS, infliximab should not be made available.
When NICE considers new treatments it looks at how well treatments work and also at how well they work in relation to how much they cost the NHS. NICE thought there was evidence that infliximab would not represent value for money for the NHS.
This means that for the time being infliximab cannot be prescribed routinely on the NHS in England for ankylosing spondylitis. However, if your rheumatologist believes there is a special case for you to be prescribed infliximab they may ask your local primary care trust (PCT) to consider it for you.
The situation is different in Scotland and infliximab is routinely used alongside adalimumab and etanercept in Scotland.
The main difference between infliximab and the two other anti TNFs is that it is given by intravenous infusion. This means it is given through a drip into your vein. You will need to go to the hospital as an out-patient to have the infusion. The infusion takes around 2 hours to give, although later on in treatment infusions may sometimes be given over 1 hour.
After the first couple of infusions, treatment is usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
Last reviewed: June 2011