CDC Reports on Tuberculosis Associated With Blocking Agents Against Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha

The FDA has determined that tuberculosis is a potential adverse reaction from treatment with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists Remicade, Enbrel, and Humira (the three products are labeled accordingly). These products work by blocking TNF-α, an inflammatory cytokine, and are approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other selected autoimmune diseases. Blocking TNF-α can allow TB disease to emerge from latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In 2002, a California county health department reported three cases of TB occurring in association with Remicade therapy. The CDC report summarizes those cases and nine subsequently reported cases. Read the story and recommendations from the CDC.