TB Not The Only Risk From New Immunological Drugs | Arthritis Information

Just a little FYI

A new survey cautions physicians that drugs commonly prescribed for patients suffering from immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease may carry risks of serious infections other than the known risk of tuberculosis.

As many as 50 million Americans may suffer from immunological disorders that are treated with drugs that suppress immunity. Among these drugs are agents that inhibit tumor necrosis factor-á (TNF), a cytokine receptor involved in cellular communication. It is known that anti-TNF therapies are associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis.

The new survey of infectious diseases physicians indicates that there is probably greater risk for other serious infections in these patients. Survey respondents reported 73 cases of Staphylococcus aureus, 56 cases of histoplasmosis, and 32 nontuberculosis mycobacterial infections among patients using these immune-modulating therapies, compared to 17 tuberculosis cases.

Kevin Winthrop, MD, of the Oregon Health and Sciences University, said: "While much attention has so far focused on tuberculosis cases occurring in patients using anti-TNF therapies, our findings suggest that nontuberculosus mycobacterial infections, histoplasmosis, and invasive S. aureus infections might all be occurring more frequently than TB in this setting within the United States."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110412.htmScary, but important info.

Thanks for posting it.

Pip

How ironic... MRSA ... stay away from hospitals.

Thanks again, Lyn.. good info.

I posted it so that people could make informed decisions about their meds. I personally, don't find those numbers so scary, but it's always good to have the latest info.It's impossible to interpret the number in terms of increased risk. What would be helpful would be a comparison of infection rates between 1)RA population taking TNF inhibitors, 2) RA population not taking TNF inhibitors, and 3) non-RA population. Then you could tell what the increased risk is...there's always some risk of getting these infections.

Alan

Well said...and very true.I'd be willing to help raise the money to get that study done!

Great idea Alan.

Pip