The yin and yang of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

Cleve Clin J Med. 2006 Mar;73(3):251-6. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.73.3.251.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have proven highly effective against a number of autoimmune diseases but have been disappointing in treating others. An increase in the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections has been noted in patients treated with these agents. If we use these drugs, we need to weigh their beneficial and adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / economics
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Infliximab
  • Opportunistic Infections / chemically induced
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tuberculosis / chemically induced
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept