Biologics (BRMs, TNF Blockers, Biologic DMARDs) drug information, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and warnings. BRMs (biologic response modifiers), such as TNF blockers and other biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), are medications that stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight arthritis and rheumatic disease.
Biologics, also referred to as biologic response modifiers, are the newest class of drugs developed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and certain other rheumatic diseases. Biologics include Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Rituxan, Orencia, Anakinra, Simponi, and Cimzia.
The first TNF-alpha blocker, Enbrel, was marketed in 1998. A decade later, we're learning more about how well the drugs work and side effects associated with them. TNF-alpha blockers are very effective for some but they are not for everyone.
The FDA has announced that the makers of four TNF-alpha drugs must strengthen warnings about fungal infection. Warnings already exist regarding serious infection, including fungal infection, but the FDA fears fungal infection is going unnoticed in too many patients.
TNF blockers -- Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira -- are biologic drugs with the potential for slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of arthritis. If remission is achieved, can TNF blockers be stopped?
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments include medication options that have expanded over the last decade. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released its 2008 guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis treatments -- an update of the 2002 guidelines.
Some patients are prone to infection while being treated with DMARDs or biologic drugs. Is infection a serious side effect of biologic drugs? What can be done to fight off infection?
Actemra (tocilizumab) is the first humanized interleukin-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody being developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Interleukin-6 is involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Actemra is administered intravenously.
Cimzia is a TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker -- the same class of drugs as Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Excess TNF-alpha production has been linked to several provides benefit alone or in combination with other therapies. Here, what you need to know before taking this drug.
Biologics, a class of drugs used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, may prevent joint damage and deformity. What evidence exists that biologics prevent disease progression?
TNF Blockers, specifically Humira and Remicade reportedly increase the risk of cancer and serious infection.
Dr. Zashin explains what can be done to decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Remicade.
Some of the newest biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are monoclonal antibodies. What is a monoclonal antibody?
The medical history of some arthritis patients make them unsuitable candidates for biologic drugs such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia, and Rituxan.
Biological therapy, also referred to as immunotherapy or biotherapy, employ biologic response modifiers (BRMs) to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight disease and/or infection.
03/01/2006, Rituxan, the world's best-selling cancer drug, has been FDA approved to be used in combination with methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the signs and symptoms in adult patients who have moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis and have failed one or more anti-TNF drugs e.g. Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab), or Humira (adalimumab).
Orencia (abatacept) is the first T-cell co-stimulation modulator approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Orencia (abatacept) is the first approved T-cell co-stimulation modulator approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. How is Orencia (abatacept) different from Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Anakinra?
How much do you know about the TNF blocker drugs Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira?
If an arthritis patient is on one of the TNF blocker drugs, when is it appropriate to switch to another?
Patients are often advised to weigh the benefit and risk of any medication, including TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. What similarities and differences are there between the three drugs?
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?
TNF blocker drugs have an infection risk.
The group of drugs called TNF-alpha blockers have been associated with various skin conditions by researchers.
A book about TNF blockers explaining how they work, how they compare to other arthritis drugs. Read about patient success stories and how this breakthrough class of drugs has changed lives.
Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld offers information about what's the latest arthritis treatment, including the benefit of combination therapy.
A brief explanation of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Early, aggressive treatment for arthritis can prevent joint damage and deformity.
Research shows no evidence to date that rheumatoid arthritis treatments, particularly the newest medications, increases the risk
of breast cancer.
Biologics are new class of drugs that have been used since 1998. A “biologic” drug copies the effects of substances naturally made by your body's immune system. Biologics are also known as cytokine inhibitors, TNF inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitor, or Biologic Response Modifiers, from ACR.
