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Remicade and TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)

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  • Remicade and TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)

Remicade, a biologic drug indicated to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders has been linked to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or TTP, a life-threatening blood disorder that can result in severe organ damage and other adverse health consequences.

Attorneys Investigating Remicade and TTP

The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP is investigating reports linking Remicade to TTP. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with TTP while being treated with Remicade, please contact our attorneys by calling (888) 994-5118.

What is Remicade?

Remicade (infliximab) is an intravenous biologic drug approved for the treatment of:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pediatric ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Pediatric Crohn’s disease
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Plaque psoriasis

Remicade belongs to a drug class called TNF-blockers. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a protein that helps the immune system to function. However, too much TNF-alpha can cause excess inflammation, resulting in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

TNF-blockers like Remicade bind to this protein, blocking its action.

Remicade and TPP

According to the “Postmarketing Experience” section of its label, Remicade has been linked to post-approval reports of TTP, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

This life-threatening blood disorder occurs when platelets become “sticky” and form clots in the small vessels of the body. These clots can block blood flow to the heart, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs, resulting in irreversible organ damage.

Because so many platelets are being used to form unnecessary clots, they will not be able to perform their normal function: clotting blood at the site of an injury. Thus, even minor injuries can become major bleeding events in people with TTP.

TTP: What Remicade Patients Need to Know.

Without treatment, 95% of people with TTP will die. Patients being treated with Remicade should contact their doctor if they experience:

• Purpura: Purplish bruises on the skin or mucous membranes that are caused by bleeding under the skin.
• Petechia: Pinpoint-sized red or purple dots on the skin. Petechia are often found in groups and can resemble a rash. They are also caused by bleeding under the skin.
• Paleness
• Bleeding (from nose and/or gums)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Neurologic symptoms (headache, changes in speech, confusion, etc.)
• Decrease in amount of urine

TTP associated with Remicade is treated via plasma exchange (aka plasmapheresis).

Glucocorticoids, vincristine, rituximab, and cyclosporine may also be used to treat TTP secondary to Remicade if plasma therapy has failed or if a patient experiences frequent recurrence.

If treatment is not effective, spleen removal may be necessary.

Have Questions About TTP and Remicade? Contact Our Attorneys Today.

If you have questions about TTP and Remicade, our attorneys can help. Call (888) 994-5118 or fill out the form on this page to contact our office today.