The Risk of Infections With Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors

Serious infections have an increased incidence of occurrence in those prescribed TNF- inhibitors. although the incidence rate of infections may be broadly interpreted as minimal, when compared with those prescribed high-dose glucocorticoids, a thorough work-up must be considered in the context of TNF blockade (Table 3). If infections are suspected, then treatment must be immediately initiated along with careful consideration for the continuation of TNF-inhibitor therapy. Prevention must always be the basis of any initial evaluation and all appropriate immunization strategies should be implemented. © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.