title: [TNF inhibitors: the role of drug levels].
abstract: There is a variation in the pharmacokinetics of TNF inhibitors. Measurement of drug levels may help to identify patients in whom treatment can be optimised. Various factors influence the pharmacokinetics of TNF inhibitors; one of the most important factors is immunogenicity. There is inter-patient variation in the TNF inhibitor dose needed to achieve clinical effectiveness, as well as variation in the dose needed to maintain clinical effectiveness. Immunosuppressive co-medication plays an important role in the optimisation of TNF inhibitor therapy via an effect on inflammation and immunogenicity.
authors.affiliation: Jan van Breemen Research Institute en Reade, afd. Reumatologie, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: Charlotte L M
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Krieckaert
authors.forename: Erik H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Vogelzang
authors.forename: Theo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rispens
authors.forename: Gertjan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wolbink
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha