Why is Infliximab Prescribed So Much More Than Hydroxychloroquine for Autoimmune Diseases?

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

  • Infliximab is far more frequently prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
  • This article questions why this is.

Introduction

Infliximab is a far more frequently prescribed drug for autoimmune diseases than hydroxychloroquine. This article compares these two drugs and their effect on autoimmune diseases.

How Widely Prescribed is Infliximab?

Infliximab is a very financially successful drug. The following shows the number of reviews for Infliximab on the website Drugs.com.

Even though HCQ is a drug used for Crohn’s disease, neither HCQ nor its brand name Plaquenil is listed on the Drugs.com website as a drug for Crohn’s. 

The Similarities in Use of Infliximab and HCQ or Planquenil

Both Infliximab and HCQ or Planquenil are used to treat autoimmune disorders. However, Infliximab has much worse side effects. Here are a few comments on Infliximab from Drugs.com.

Comment #1: Three Pages of Side Effects?

“My wife had RA from when she was a child. She had used the normal meds till Infliximab. She was in Japan and started on Infliximab in Apr 2007 and die in Feb 2008 from the reactions/side effect to it. I advise that if you get any of the side effect symptoms to see your doctor right away. I have found that if you get one symptom you will get more. There are 3 pages of side effects/reactions.”

This is a constant issue with this category of drug. The side effects of Infliximab are both serious and very common.

Comment #2: Constant Pain?

“This medication Infliximab made me in constant pain. I slept for two months 20 hours a day. I felt very depressed. My body was in pain everywhere and I was covered in a rash. Parts of my body have permanent nerve damage months after I got off it. My specialist told me it is hard to diagnose nerve damage, as if that matters. Is everyone a liar till a doctor proves it? This same specialists wanted me to go back on it. I said I really didn’t want to go through that again. The specialist would not leave it alone. I Mentioned Covid-19 to him and he said it won’t make a difference if I am off Infliximab or not. Oh okay, I guess all these tests were for nothing then?

Costs

The following are the differences in costs between Infliximab and HCQ or Plaquenil.