TNF-alpha blockers are used to treat many conditions, including arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the drugs can be very effective pain blockers for some patients, it can have considerable side effects, and is not for everyone.
TNF is a substance that is secreted by the immune system’s cells called cytokine. Cytokine regulates the immune system, but can also cause inflammation. TNF blockers help reduce inflammation in arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. They work by neutralizing a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha. This protein is commonly overproduced in bodies that have an inflammatory disease.
There has been quite a bit of controversy in recent years over the safety of TNF-Alpha blockers. As a matter-of-fact, the FDA requires that these drugs carry a black label and highlight the dangers of taking the drug on the bottle. Some say that after a certain period of time the drugs may cause cancer. The reason for this is because TNF is used by the body to fend off cancer cells. There has been concern that the drugs may be linked to an increase in certain cancers, especially in children.
A recent Swedish study has indicated however, that after 5 years of taking TNF-Alpha Blockers, rheumatoid arthritis sufferers did not show an elevated cancer risk. Of course, more studies need to be done to rule out the link between TNF-Alpha blockers and certain types of cancers.
If you think that TNF-Alpha Blockers may help you with your arthritic pain, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking the drug and make and informed decision about whether or not the drug is right for you. If you and your physician decide that TNF-Alpha Blockers are not right for you, there are other options that may be able to help you with your arthritis symptoms.
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