Arthritis Patients Warned About Link Between Fungal Infection and TNF Blockers

Arthritis patients, and the doctors who treat them, are being warned about a link between TNF-alpha blockers and fungal infection. The FDA has announced that the makers of four TNF-alpha drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and Cimzia) must strengthen warnings about fungal infection. Warnings already exist on TNF-alpha drugs regarding serious infection, including fungal infection, but the FDA fears fungal infection is going unnoticed in too many patients.

Based on reports that were reviewed by the FDA, health care professionals are not recognizing cases of histoplasmosis and other fungal infections consistently -- leading to delayed treatment. The FDA reviewed 240 reports of histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, in patients treated with Enbrel, Remicade, or Humira. The majority of those reports came from an area where H. capsulatum is commonly found (the Ohio River and Mississippi River valleys). In at least 21 of those cases, histoplasmosis was not diagnosed initially, leading to delayed treatment -- and ultimately 12 of those patients died. There were also reports of patients who took TNF blockers and developed coccidioidomycosis and blastomycosis -- some resulting in death.

One forum member wrote, "Has everyone heard on the news the new warnings for Remicade, Humira, etc. Sounds pretty awful. I'm on Humira and now worried about one more potential life threatening side effect." While the news is alarming to those on the drugs, be sure you discuss the warning with your doctor. Discuss your concerns and how this may affect you. Read the facts in Fungal Infection - A Risk With TNF-alpha Blockers.

Related Resources:

• TNF-alpha Blockers - What You Need to Know
• Is Infection a Serious Side Effect of Biologics?
• Are Some Patients Unsuitable Candidates for Biologics?
• Test Your Knowledge - TNF Blockers

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