Remicade, the TNF (tumor necrosis factor) alpha blocker drug used to suppress the immune system for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease in adults and children, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis has come under fire by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has received hundreds of reports of fungal infections and deaths linked to Remicade use and wants the manufacturer to strengthen the drug's warnings.

What is Remicade?

Remicade (infliximab), manufactured by Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc., is a TNF alpha blocker drug which is used to suppress the immune system and is prescribed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease in adults and children, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis. It was approved by the FDA in 1999.

Remicade's dangerous side effects

According to the manufacturer, Remicade use “can cause serious side effects such as lowering your ability to fight infections. There are reports of serious infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that have spread throughout the body, including tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis. Some of these infections have been fatal.” (Source: www.remicade.com)

However, the FDA says that the warning may not be enough to warn doctors and patients about the risks. It has reviewed 240 reports of histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the fungusHistoplasma capsulatum, in patients being treated with Remicade and other TNF drugs such as Enbrel, Humira and Cimzia. Other studies have shown more side effects.

Mayo Clinic reports TNF-alpha blockers may cause cancers and infections

A Mayo Clinic study reported that there is a direct link between the use of Remicade and the increased likelihood of developing several types of cancer including gastrointestinal cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer or serious infections. In fact, the study says that those taking Remicade were two times as likely to develop a serious infection and three times as likely to develop cancer.

If you've been injured due to one of these TNF-alpha blockers, contact a products liability attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.