FDA Orders Stronger Warnings For 4 Arthritis Drugs

Drugs Fda The drugs work by suppressing the immune system and the FDA says that can expose some patients to serious even fatal fungal infections.
by The Associated Press
Published: Thu, September 04, 2008 - 10:10 am CST Last Updated: Thu, September 04, 2008 - 10:20 am CST
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration is ordering
stronger warnings on four medications used to treat rheumatoid
arthritis.
The drugs - Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel and Remicade - work by
suppressing the immune system, and the FDA says that can expose
some patients to serious, even fatal, fungal infections. The agency
said Thursday it has received 240 reports of one such type of
infection, called histoplasmosis. In at least 21 of the cases,
doctors didn't initially recognize the problem, and 12 of the
patients died.
The fungus that causes the infection is common in the
Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. Patients should stop taking
their medication and call the doctor if they develop persistent
fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Email a Friend Email to a Friend   
Printer Friendly Printer Friendly
Translate: » Spanish | French | German | Italian | Japanese | Chinese | Russian | Hindi

Recently Commented On

Fairhope Standoff Situation…

72 Total Comments
Fairhope Standoff Situation Over at Ravenite Pizzeria Mr. Gambino was taken into custody at 10:08 A.M without… more »

Throng Shows Up In Birmingham…

28 Total Comments
Throng Shows Up In Birmingham For Palin Hundreds Have Lined Up At A Birmingha-area Book Store In… more »

Woman Recovering After Being…

2 Total Comments
Woman Recovering After Being Shot In Face Police say a Mobile woman is recovering at USA Medical Center… more »

Catholic Social Services Adoption

1 Total Comments
Catholic Social Services Adoption CSS matches babies whose birth parents have voluntarily… more »

Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips

2 Total Comments
Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips When using turkey fryers, safety tips are important to brush… more »