How effective is infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis?
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Doctors often prescribe infliximab drugs for rheumatoid arthritis because it blocks the cellular substance that causes inflammation. Infliximab can be effective in controlling symptoms of RA, but it is not a drug and bears some serious side effects. This class includes drugs methotrexate and leflunomide. Patients use non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen in conjunction with DMARD. If DMARD treatment cannot handle the symptoms of RA, the doctor may instead prescribe the TNF-alpha inhibitor.
The exact cause of RA is unknown, but the related inflammation is caused by a specific cytokine. Alfa (TNF-alfa) is a signaling protein molecule produced to control the IMMUNE system cell control. The proper functioning of TNF-alpha helps the body in different ways, including help in the natural cycle of cell death. The amount of dysfunctional TNF-alpha in one area of the body causes inflammation.
doctors prescribe infliximab pro rheumatoid arthritis because it is an inhibitor of TNF-alpha. Drugs are chemically captured on TNF-alpha to prevent the substance from being attached to its receptors. This reduces concentration that in turn reduces inflammation.
Infliximab dosing for rheumatoid arthritis comes through intravenous injection. The dose must be administered in the doctor by a doctor or nurse. It may take up to two hours to complete the dose. Patients return to the next dose in just two weeks or up to two months, depending on the need.
The smaller side effects of this drug include stomach cramps, heard and headaches. Patients should report a doctor if the side effects become more serious and include chest pain, seizures or swelling. The physician should be informed if the patient currently uses anakinra or etanercept because drugs can interact with infliximab.
InfliximabFor rheumatoid arthritis it carries potentially serious long -term effects. There is some evidence that treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors can cause a rapidly growing form of lymphoma in a small sub-group of patients. Drugs can also make the patient more susceptible to infections that may develop into severe diseases.
patients prescribed infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis should remain in constant contact with the doctor. Side effects, large or small, should be reported immediately. The doctor may decide to stop this treatment in favor of drugs that could better suit the patient.