The John Hopkins Medical Center reported that TNF blockers, also known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, are a group of drugs that suppress continued inflammation found in certain conditions. The drugs are considered autoimmune disorder drugs and first became available to the market in 1998, ten years ago.

What Are TNF Inhibitors?

TNF-alphas are described as cytokines, also cell protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. For conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other inflammatory illnesses, the TNF-alpha inhibitors block cytokines (cell protein) in order to decrease swollen joints, stiffness and to decrease pain. There have been several TNF inhibitors that have been approved for manufacture and these include:

* etanercept (Enbrel)

* infliximab (Remicade)

* adalimumab (Humira)

* certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)

TNF inhibitors are known to treat the following conditions:

* Crohn's disease, a gastrointestinal (GI) tract condition in which the small intestines and colon become inflamed

* Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as Bechterew's disease or syndrome, causes inflammatory arthritis in the spine as well as in

sacroiliac joints and is considered extremely painful

* rheumatoid arthritis

* psoriatic arthritis, a disease that causes the skin and the joints to become inflamed

TNF Inhibitors Investigated for Side Effects

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had been investigating approximately 240 cases of histoplasmosis, 45 of which were fatal, and all were patients using TNF blockers, according to a Reuters news article. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection with a wide variety of symptoms; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also report that the drugs may cause problems within the lungs. While the illness is not common and can often be treated with anti-fungal medicine, it can also become fatal among certain patients. The infection has become more common among individuals suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS and other immunosuppressor conditions.

Some of the other side effects, according to officials at John Hopkins Medical Center, include the following:

* infection site reactions may occur although the reactions are described as mild and decrease with repeated doses, (including skin infections)

* infections in addition to histoplasmosis

* malignancy

* immunogenecity

The FDA has announced that based on its investigation, warning labels should be strengthened to warn physicians and patients of the infections that have been discovered among this family of drugs.

Seeking Legal Assistance for TNF Inhibitors Risks

Due to the recent controversy over the consumption of the TNF blockers and the alleged side effects, patients of these prescription drugs should consider contacting a pharmaceutical attorney for a free legal consultation on the developing a potential TNF inhibitor lawsuit.

One of the TNF blockers, Cimzia, has continued to remain in the news for its serious side effects not only related to infections but also for its potential link to causing cancer among young adult and children aged patients.

The FDA is currently investing this risk as well as the current danger of fungal infections among patients. Those who have been prescribed any of the TNF inhibitors, such as Cimzia, and are concerned they may develop any of the TNF blocker side effects, should speak with a medical professional as soon as possible as halting use of the drugs may be advisable. It is advisable for a victim of the Cimzia side effects to not only discuss their condition with a medical professional, but should also contact an experienced pharmaceutical attorney to learn about developing a Cimzia class action lawsuit.