These are the protein based meds (mostly antibodies) that block TNF-alpha factor, which is involved in the inflammatory response in autoimmune disorders. They were first used for rheumatoid arthritis, then Crohn's and UC. The most common ones are Remicade, Humira, Simponi, and Cimzia. There also is Embrel for arthritic conditions only. There are more in the pipeline. So far, they all require IV infusion or injection, and are quite expensive. There is some very slight increased risk for lymphoma and other cancers, but they are not sure if it is the drug or the autoimmune disease, since the same risks are elevated as a group, particularly with RA patients. But, they are coming into favor as steroid sparing, and it is widely known that long term use of steroids is very detrimental with irreversible side effects.

There are some supplements with action along the same pathways, such as turmeric and green tea, but much less effect. So, it is not a completely artificial concept.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNF_inhibitor

Jan

I received one Remicade treatment for UC but was told that could not have another. It had something to do with not using it regularly and a strong likelihood of having a serious allergic reaction with a second infusion. It is not a treatment that I am remotely considering but am wondering if anyone can explain why it could not used a second time. ? Just curious really.

Hendrix, I believe your admonition is specific to you, and not a general warning. Many people stay on it for many years.

You must have had a reaction with the first infusion. Once you exhibit an allergic reaction, subsequent reactions can be much more severe and even life threatening. This is much like the penicillin allergy, where you survive the exposure, but another might kill you. Remicade is especially prone to triggering allergic reactions because it is based on mouse protein. Humira and Simponi are fully humanized proteins, so less likely to cause reactions or trigger antibody formation.

Jan

Well I certainly will not be using Remicade! (Hopefully never need it either). I wonder why they didn't offer Humira or Simponi - although this was a number of years ago. Thanks for the info.

Humira and Simponi are newer drugs. Humira has been approved for UC for a couple of years I think, and Simponi even more recently.

Jan