Researchers Make Connection Between TNF Blockers And Skin Disease
A study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy 2005 Volume 7 Issue 3, indicates that the group of drugs known as TNF-alpha blockers triggers skin conditions in 25% of patients treated with the drugs. TNF blockers include:
The drugs are prescribed for people with moderate to severe arthritis to aid in halting joint destruction and subsequent disability.
About The Study
Researchers from Netherlands followed 289 patients who were treated for rheumatoid arthritis with TNF-alpha blocking agents from one to 10 years. Some of the study participants were treated with anti-TNF alpha antibodies (infliximab or adalimumab). Others were treated with TNF-alpha receptors (etanercept or experimental drug lenercept which is also known as p55 tumor necrosis factor receptor fusion protein).
Study Results
25% of patients from the study group had a dermatological conditions requiring examination by a specialist. In the control group (not on TNF-alpha blockers, and had less severe disease), only 13% needed to consult with a dermatologist.
Of the 289 patients, the most frequent skin conditions were:
- Skin infections, 33
- Eczema, 20
- Drug Eruptions, occurred at beginning and 7 patients stopped therapy
- Skin tumor, 12
- Ulcer, 9
Of the patients who developed a skin condition, 26% stopped treatment with the TNF-alpha blocker.
Comment from rheumatologist Scott Zashin M.D., author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers
"There can be an increased risk of eczema - typically it does not require stopping the drug. Injection reactions occur early in the treatment - I think that is what the researchers are describing when they mention beginning of therapy. It is a common and accepted toxicity of Humira and Enbrel, but much more with Enbrel It is unlikely to require discontinuation of therapy, but may. Like most medications, skin disease is a potential side effect and appears to be so, also with TNF blockers. I have had to discontinue drugs in a very small number of patients secondary to skin involvement."
Related Resources - TNF Blockers
Related Resources - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Source: Dermatological conditions during TNF-a-blocking therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study, Marcel Flendrie, Wynand HPM Vissers, Marjonne CW Creemers, Elke MGJ de Jong, Peter CM van de Kerkhof and Piet LCM van Riel, Arthritis Research & Therapy 2005, 7:R666-R676 doi:10.1186/ar1724, 4 April 2005
