title: Anti-TNF therapies: a comprehensive analysis of adverse effects associated with immunosuppression.
abstract: Knowledge and understanding about the immunosuppressive properties of anti-TNF therapies and the adverse effects these causes have advanced over the last 10 years since the first of these drugs was approved. These drugs work by inhibiting tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in the body, which plays an essential role in the immune response to invading pathogens. Anti-TNF drugs have therapeutic value because high levels of TNF are thought to be part of the pathophysiology of many chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF drugs are usually well-tolerated, however, there have been reports of many potentially serious adverse effects. This article will comprehensively analyse these adverse effects; the incidence, symptoms and mechanisms will be discussed. In addition, the contraindications of this class of drugs will be explored and the detection and prevention methods that should be put in place by health care professionals who treat patients on these drugs will be described.
authors.affiliation: University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. md0u7301@liv.ac.uk
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Connor
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha