Avsola (infliximab-axxq) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain autoimmune conditions. Avsola comes as an IV infusion that’s given by a healthcare professional. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to help treat.

Avsola is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:

Avsola is approved by the FDA to treat the following conditions in adults and children ages 6 years and older:

  • moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when other treatments have not worked
  • moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease when other treatments have not worked

Avsola is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Avsola contains the drug infliximab-axxq* and is only available as a brand-name medication. Avsola is a biosimilar of infliximab, the active drug in Remicade.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Avsola, including its strength and how to receive the medication. For a comprehensive look at Avsola, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Avsola provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Avsola dosage that’s right for you.

* The reason “-axxq” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.

Read below for details about Avsola’s dosages for its approved uses.

Avsola form

Avsola comes as a powder in a single-dose vial. The powder is mixed with a liquid to form a solution for intravenous (IV) infusion. You’ll receive your IV infusion in a hospital or clinic.

Avsola strength

Avsola comes in one strength of 100 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease

Doctors may prescribe Avsola to treat Crohn’s disease.

If your doctor prescribes Avsola for Crohn’s disease, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The dosage per kilogram is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and is calculated by your doctor.

Your first three doses of Avsola are known as induction doses. You’ll receive 5 mg/kg as an IV infusion on weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then, 8 weeks later, you’ll receive your first maintenance infusion of 5 mg/kg. You’ll continue to receive 5 mg/kg as an infusion once every 8 weeks. This is known as maintenance treatment.

If Avsola stops working for you, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 10 mg/kg once every 8 weeks.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis

Doctors may prescribe Avsola to treat ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. For psoriatic arthritis, the drug may be prescribed alone or with methotrexate.

If your doctor prescribes Avsola for any of these conditions, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms. One kg equals about 2.2 lb. The dosage per kilogram is measured in milligrams per kilogram and is calculated by your doctor.

Your first three doses of Avsola are known as induction doses. You’ll receive 5 mg/kg as an IV infusion on weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then, 8 weeks later, you’ll receive your first maintenance infusion of 5 mg/kg. You’ll continue to receive 5 mg/kg as an infusion once every 8 weeks. This is known as maintenance treatment.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Doctors may prescribe Avsola to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The drug is typically given along with methotrexate.

If your doctor prescribes Avsola for RA, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms. One kg equals about 2.2 lb. The dosage per kilogram is measured in milligrams per kilogram and is calculated by your doctor.

Your first three doses of Avsola are known as induction doses. You’ll receive 3 mg/kg as an IV infusion on weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then, 8 weeks later, you’ll receive your first maintenance infusion of 3 mg/kg. You’ll continue to receive 3 mg/kg as an infusion once every 8 weeks. This is known as maintenance treatment.

If Avsola does not work for you at this dosage, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 10 mg/kg once every 4–8 weeks.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

Doctors may prescribe Avsola to treat ankylosing spondylitis.

If your doctor prescribes Avsola for ankylosing spondylitis, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms. One kg equals about 2.2 lb. The dosage per kilogram is measured in milligrams per kilogram and is calculated by your doctor.

Your first three doses of Avsola are known as induction doses. You’ll receive 5 mg/kg as an IV infusion on weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then, 6 weeks later, you’ll receive your first maintenance infusion of 5 mg/kg. You’ll continue to receive 5 mg/kg as an infusion once every 6 weeks. This is known as maintenance treatment.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

Avsola is approved to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in children ages 6 years and older.

The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms. One kilogram equals about 2.2 lb. The dosage per kilogram is measured in milligrams per kilogram and is calculated by your child’s doctor.

Your child’s first three doses of Avsola are known as induction doses. They’ll receive 5 mg/kg as an IV infusion on weeks 0, 2, and 6. Then, 8 weeks later, they’ll receive their first maintenance infusion of 5 mg/kg. They’ll continue to receive 5 mg/kg as an infusion once every 8 weeks. This is known as maintenance treatment.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.

Long-term treatment

Avsola is meant to be given as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Avsola is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.

Before you start Avsola infusions, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

The Avsola dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your body weight
  • how your body responds to Avsola
  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Avsola to treat
  • side effects you may have with Avsola

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Avsola dosage.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you an intravenous (IV) infusion of Avsola. First, they’ll mix the powder form of Avsola with a liquid to make a solution. Then, they’ll prepare the liquid solution for infusion. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a hospital to receive your infusion. The infusion takes about 2 hours.

If you have questions about how to receive Avsola, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

If you miss your appointment for an Avsola infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.

If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Avsola.

Is the dosage of Avsola similar to the dosage of Humira?

No, it is not. Avsola is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. Humira (adalimumab) comes as a subcutaneous injection that you can give yourself at home.

The dose in milligrams for each drug also differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Avsola to start working?

Avsola starts to work after your first dose, but it may take up to 14 weeks to see if Avsola is working for your condition. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will also monitor you during treatment to see if your symptoms have improved.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Avsola treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Avsola for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Avsola without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Avsola that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Avsola. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.