Update on the biologic medications (TNF-a inhibitors)
6/26/06
TNF-a Blockers Found to be Relatively Safe in Finnish Study
A recently published Finnish study determined that biological treatments, the TNF blockers, appear to be safe over a period of time.
The results were based on the compiled complaints over a five-year period from 248 patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or spondylarthropathies. There were some 308 reports filed that listed adverse reactions, which primarily consisted of skin reactions and infections. But also, there were some cases of tuberculosis, heart failure and demyelinating conditions; many of the patients were on more than one treatment.
The bottom-line results were that about one-in-six patients had some level of adverse reaction to the drug, which also equates to five-of-six patients did not suffer adverse reactions. The findings, according to the Finnish researchers, were not unexpected.
L. Konttinen, et al. Rheumatology International 2006; 26:916-922.
Study: Long term infliximab (Remicade ®) treatment safe & effective
The researchers that conducted the study, "Continuation of treatment with infliximab in ankylosing spondylitis: 2-year open follow up, concluded that "long-term treatment of infliximab in AS…shows an acceptable safety profile."
Out of 50 patients followed during the study, only seven stopped taking the drug because of "adverse events", citing that 4 of which were allergic reactions to the drug (3 for other reasons).
Of particular note in the study is the duration between Remicade infusions. Commonly, Remicade is administered on a routine schedule. In this study, some patients were treated "only as needed", or only as the disease was active or had flared. Thus, the study authors also conclude that, "for some patients the disease can be controlled with long intervals between infusions; these findings warrant further studies." Patients receiving their Remicade infusion in this way were administered the drug between 12 and 14 weeks on average.
L. Gossec, et al. Rheumatology Advance Access 2006; 45(7): 859-862.