The Risk Of Tuberculosis From Arthritis Meds | Arthritis Information

 

Treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is recognized as a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Most TB cases develop as a result of reactivation of a latent TB infection, and health authorities worldwide recommend screening for latent TB and treating patients before initiating anti-TNF treatment. A new study examined cases of TB associated with anti-TNF therapy and found that the risk of TB is higher for patients receiving anti-TNF monoclonal antibody therapy (infliximab or adalimumab) than for those receiving soluble TNF receptor therapy (etanercept). The study is published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Bumping because this is important info to know.............. This is something we should all be aware of and perhaps, even be check for on occasion.  TB is not all that uncommon where I live.  My doctor always ask if I have been to Mexico when I present with chest issues.

Thanks Lynn
[QUOTE=waddie]This is something we should all be aware of and perhaps, even be check for on occasion.  TB is not all that uncommon where I live.  My doctor always ask if I have been to Mexico when I present with chest issues.

Thanks Lynn
[/QUOTE]