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Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

What are antitumor necrosis alpha drugs?

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine associate with inflammatory disorders of the skin, joints and gastrointestinal tract.

The most active anti-TNF drugs are monoclonal antibodies directed against TNF-alpha (TNFα). Anti-TNFα drugs control inflammation in inflammatory skin diseases, arthritisand intestinal disease. They were among the first biological agents on the market.

Anti-TNFα monoclonal antibodies include:

  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept
  • Golimumab
  • Certolizumab

Other anti-TNF drugs

Other drugs with activity against TNF include:

  • Thalidomide
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Bupropion

Natural compounds that act against TNF include:

  • Catechins
  • Curcumin
  • Cannabis
  • Echinacea purpurea

For what skin conditions are anti-TNFs used?

Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies are mainly used in the treatment of serious diseases. chronic license plate psoriasis. They are also used for other severe inflammatory skin conditions when conventional therapies have failed. Examples include:

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Skin disease associated with Crohn's disease.
  • Pyoderma gangrenous and PAPA syndrome (without brand)
Skin conditions treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

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Severe psoriasis

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Hidradenitis suppurativa

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Gangrenous pyoderma

What are the risks of anti-TNF medications?

Anti-TNF biologics are administered by injection. They can sometimes cause injection site reactions or infusion reactions. They should be avoided in patients with severe heart failure.

The main risk of anti-TNF therapy is reduced immunity to bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, including:

  • Tuberculosis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Coccidioidomycosis
  • Blastomycosis

They can also increase the risks of skin cancer and autoimmune diseases, including demyelinating conditions.

Anti-TNF drugs can lose their effect over time, possibly due to the induction of antibodies against them. Paradoxically, anti-TNF can sometimes cause dermatological side effects, such as:

  • Palmoplantar pustulosis
  • Various forms of psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Lupus erythematosus
  • Morph
  • Alopecia areata
  • Vitiligo
  • Granuloma cancel
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Erythema multiform
  • Vasculitis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome - toxic epidermal necrolysis

  • Numular drug-induced dermatitis

Dermatological side effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

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Dermatitis of the hand

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Nummular dermatitis

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Alopecia areata

New Zealand approved data sheets are the official source of information for these prescription drugs, including approved uses and risk information. See the New Zealand individual data sheet on the Medsafe website.