In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α and IL-6 play an important role in bone destruction.
Drugs that specifically suppress the effects of these molecules have been developed and are attracting attention as new drugs for rheumatism.
Anti-TNF-α drugs currently in use include the anti-TNF-α chimeric antibody infliximab (trade name: Remicade), its humanized antibody adalimumab (trade name: Humira), and the TNF receptor drug etanercept (trade name: Enbrel).
Additionally, tocilizumab (trade name: Actemra) has been available as an anti-IL-6 agent since fiscal year 2008.
These new drugs are used for RA patients whose condition cannot be controlled with conventional anti-rheumatic drugs, and are highly effective, with an efficacy rate of 80% to 90%.
It is now believed that if these agents are used earlier, treatment may be discontinued in the future.
These new anti-rheumatic drugs (anti-TNF-α drugs and anti-IL-6 drugs) have an excellent clinical effect in halting the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, but because TNF-α and IL-6 are substances that originally play an important role in the body's defense response, their use naturally weakens the immune system and reduces resistance to infection. Reported side effects include respiratory infections including pneumonia, particularly recurrence and recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, interstitial pneumonia, and sepsis.
These serious side effects were reported in newspapers last year, and elderly people in particular need to be careful of these side effects.
I'm sure that newspaper reports have caused concern to patients who are actually using the product.
Although the frequency of side effects reported in the media is not actually that high, it is still a drug that should be used with due caution to avoid side effects.