Advice

Following a full submission

infliximab (Remicade) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine, or who are intolerant to or have medical contra-indications for such therapies.

As rescue therapy, infliximab has been shown to reduce the rate of colectomy compared with placebo in two small studies. However its relative efficacy and long-term benefits compared to existing management options remain unclear.

The manufacturer did not present a sufficiently robust economic case to gain acceptance by SMC.

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Medicine details

Medicine name:
infliximab (Remicade)
SMC ID:
374/07
Indication:
Ulcerative colitis
Pharmaceutical company
Schering-Plough Ltd
BNF chapter
Gastro-intestinal system
Submission type
Full
Status
Not recommended
Date advice published
13 July 2009