TNF Blockers and Cancer in Children (November 2009)

FDA is requiring stronger warnings about an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers in children and adolescents who are treated with drugs that block tumor necrosis factor. TNF blockers include Remicade (infliximab), Enbrel (etancercept), Humira (adalimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), and Simponi (golimumab). These drugs are used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory diseases.

The warnings, which include an updated boxed warning, are based on an FDA analysis of reports of cancer that occurred in children and adolescents treated with TNF-blockers. The cancers, some of which were fatal, occurred after an average of 30 months of treatment. About half of the cancers were lymphomas. The labeling will also include updated information on cases of leukemia and new onset psoriasis associated with TNF-blockers.

Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for development of malignancies during and after treatment with TNF blockers. They should also talk to patients and their families about this risk and tell them to report signs and symptoms of cancer such as unexplained weight loss or fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin.

Patients should also be monitored for signs or symptoms of new onset psoriasis or worsening psoriasis. The patient Medication Guide will be updated with this new information.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• TNF Blocker
• Cancer
• Children
• FDA
• Lymphoma
• Remicade
• Enbrel
• Humira
• Cimzia
• Simponi
• Rheumatiod Arthritis
• Chron's Disease
• Inflammatory Diseases
• Patient Safety
• Boxed Warning
• Fatal
• Leukemia
• Psoriasis

[thomas242007]

i almost got lukemia from these tnf blockers dont take them try ttaking wheatgrass for about 6 months but its gotta be everyday, raptiva is the one that almost got me