TNF Inhibitors
TNF inhibitors refer to medications that are used to alleviate inflammation. They’re often used for conditions like juvenile arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. These medications work by obstructing inflammatory substances in the body referred to as tumor necrosis factors. Doing so helps decrease swelling and weaken the immune system to stop any further damage.
These medications are generally expensive and may cause severe side effects. Thus, they’re used as a treatment option only in selected cases where no other treatments have worked. Some of the adverse effects of TNF inhibitors include fungal infections, lowered blood pressure, difficulty breathing, severe allergies, pain, tuberculosis, malignancies, congestive heart disorder, drug-induced lupus, and demyelinating disorders.
Due to its potential for severe side effects, healthcare providers normally test specific infections like chickenpox, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Moreover, to ensure the safety of the patient and the efficacy of the treatment, doctors may order regular blood tests while on treatment, including c-reactive protein, liver function, and blood count tests. Those who experience allergic reactions are advised to reach out to their doctors as soon as possible.
