title: Biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis: 2008 and beyond.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease with a complex underlying pathology and varied presentation in patients. Several novel biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have become available for the treatment of RA. Agents in late-stage clinical trials include golimumab and certolizumab, which are anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha agents; ocrelizumab, an anti-CD20 agent; and tocilizumab, an inhibitor of interleukin-6. As treatment options for RA expand, nursing care will play an increasingly important role in empowering patients through interventions such as patient education and adverse effect management.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago, Sarcoidosis and Scleroderma Clinic, Section of Rheumatology, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Nadera J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Sweiss
authors.forename: Linda L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Hushaw
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors; C529000:golimumab; C533411:ocrelizumab; C502936:tocilizumab