Arthritis Foundation Comment
on FDA Announcement on TNF-Blocker Drugs
On Thursday, September 4, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that four medications commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other similar conditions must strengthen warnings on the risk of developing fungal infections. RA, one of the most common and serious forms of arthritis, affects 1.3 million Americans.
The medications - Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade - known as tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF-alpha blockers) work to suppress the immune system to keep it from attacking the body. The FDA decision regarding these TNF-blockers is a precautionary warning for patients taking these medications to be aware that they are more susceptible to serious fungal infections.
"The Arthritis Foundation believes the FDA decision helps to better inform people with arthritis about the potential risks associated with these drugs," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "This class of drugs has a powerful ability to modulate the immune system and lessen the impact of RA, and the FDA decision will allow patients to be better informed to evaluate both the benefits and risks of all drugs available for the management of their disease."
The Arthritis Foundation recommends that people with arthritis work with their doctor to better understand the full range of treatment options and to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for their individual situation. The Arthritis Foundation stresses the importance of weight control and exercise, drug therapy and surgical options for the management of pain and functional limitations caused by arthritis.
