Module 4 - TNF Inhibitors

Question 1

How do Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) work, and why are they important in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Answer 1

TNF inhibitors work by inhibiting the actions of TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), an important immune mediator of joint injury in RA.

Question 2

How many TNF inhibitors are available, and how effective are they in treating RA?

Answer 2

There are five TNF inhibitors available, and in patients with RA, all five are highly and equally effective.

Question 3

What are some of the serious infections that TNF inhibitors can pose a risk for in patients with RA?

Answer 3

TNF inhibitors can pose a risk for serious infections, including bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections, hepatitis B infection, and tuberculosis (TB).

Question 4

What are some rare but serious adverse reactions associated with TNF inhibitors other than infections?

Answer 4

Rare adverse reactions include severe allergic reactions, heart failure, liver failure, hematologic disorders, neurologic disorders, and cancer.

Question 5

What are the principal differences among the five TNF inhibitors available?

Answer 5

The principal differences among these drugs concern dosing schedule and route of administration.

Question 6

Apart from RA, for which other inflammatory disorders are TNF inhibitors approved?

Answer 6

TNF inhibitors are approved for other inflammatory disorders, including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn disease.