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Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers

From Carol & Richard Eustice,
Your Guide to Arthritis.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
Guide Rating - rating

The Bottom Line

"Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers" is an exceptionally well-written resource. The book offers essential information about one of the newest classes of arthritis drugs, TNF blockers, and allows the reader to fully comprehend how TNF drugs are different from other arthritis medications. Since the first TNF blocker was FDA approved in 1998, arthritis patients, even those who have had a successful response to one of the TNF drugs, have had questions. Now they have answers too.
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Pros
  • Answers the question - what are TNF blockers and how do they work?
  • Explains the differences between Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira.
  • Spotlights patient experiences. Helps you decide if TNF blockers are for you.
  • Packed with the latest.
Cons
  • No cons. Book explains TNF is miracle for many, not for everyone.

Description

  • Author Scott J. Zashin M.D. - internal medicine and rheumatology - clinical assistant professor.
  • Author M. Laurette Hesser - marketing, communications consultant - special interest in healthcare.
  • A balanced explanation - not understating or overstating TNF blocker benefits and risks.
  • Overview of arthritis presented in easily understood terminology.
  • Information about older vs. newer arthritis medications explains the differences in how they work.
  • Book is essential resource for arthritis patients considering a TNF blocker.
  • Book is essential too for arthritis patients already on a TNF blocker - for better understanding.
  • Helps you comprehend the current and future trends in arthritis therapies.
  • Read the book and discuss any questions you have with your rheumatologist.
  • Must-read for people interested in arthritis treatment. Among the best resources on my bookshelf.

Guide Review - Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers

Book focuses on what is without question the biggest story in the arthritis world in decades - how lives have been renewed because of the breakthrough arthritis treatment known as TNF blockers. The book begins with an overview of arthritis and looks at older, better-known arthritis drugs - NSAIDs, DMARDs, and corticosteroids. The spotlight shines on what the authors call "a revolution in arthritis treatment" - the drugs which became available since 1998 in the U.S. including:

  • Celebrex (Celecoxib)
  • Vioxx (Rofecoxib)(no longer on market)
  • Bextra (Valdecoxib)(no longer on market)
  • Mobic (Meloxicam)
  • Arava (Leflunomide)
  • Kineret (Anakinra)
  • Enbrel (Etanercept)
  • Remicade (Infliximab)
  • Humira (Adalimumab)

    • It is Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira (the TNF blockers) which the authors dub "the arthritis miracle". A thorough explanation is offered regarding how each of these drugs work and the science behind their evolution. What the TNF drugs deliver in terms of success is told - "in multiple clinical studies involving tens of thousands of arthritis patients, TNF blockers produced noticeable improvement in 2 of every 3 patients". But also told is the fact that TNF blockers are not without risks and have possible serious side effects (in about 1 in 1000 patients). Of special interest is "The TNF Blocker Decision Matrix" - a self-test to help you and your doctor decide if TNF blockers are for you, plus information about choosing and starting a TNF blocker, as well as 25 frequently asked questions.

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    Updated: November 1, 2006
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