|
Remicade and Tuberculosis
Remicade (Infliximab) is an immune-suppressing drug used
to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. In November
of 1999, the FDA approved Remicade (infliximab) to treat rheumatoid
arthritis. It was first approved in August 1998 as a treatment
for Crohn’s Disease. The problem with Remicade is that
it acts as an immune suppressant. This makes patients who
take Remicade extremely vulnerable to opportunistic infections,
including tuberculosis.
Remicade has also been prescribed to patients with congestive
heart failure with distressing results. In a study of 101
patients with congestive heart failure that took Remicade,
seven died, compared to zero fatalities in patients taking
a placebo.
You will generally have no symptoms if infected with tuberculosis.
The Mantoux skin test -- performed in a doctor's office or
health department -- is the most reliable detector of TB.
A small amount of liquid material is injected just under the
top layer of your skin on your arm. After two to three days,
a doctor or nurse will read the test to see if it's positive.
An X-ray of your lungs will help reveal if the disease is
active.
Tuberculosis Symptoms
-
Cough, at first with yellow or green mucus and occasionally
bloody later in the disease.
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Slight fever, night sweats
- Pain in the chest, back, or kidneys, and perhaps all three
If you feel that you have been adversely affected as
a result taking Remicade, contact your doctor immediately.
They will probably want to give you a tuberculosis test
and check for other infections, as well as check on the
health of your heart if congestive heart failure is a
problem for you.
Do not discontinue taking Remicade without first consulting
your doctor.
Remicade and Tuberculosis
|
