Remicade, a Johnson & Johnson (J&J) arthritis drug, will
be revising their label ... again. Patients taking the drug might
be placed at a higher risk of developing lymphoma, a form of blood
cancer.
This is the second time the drug's label has been changed in the
past three months. The first time happened because of the drugs
associated risk of blood-related disorders:
- Leukopenia: when white blood cell count is too low
- Thrombocytopenia: when blood platelets are too low
Due to the label change, the drug's safety profile will be similar
with that of its competitors. Remicade, along with Enbrel and Humira,
are drugs known for their blocking of an inflammation-causing protein,
tumor necrosis factor (TNF). With combined sales of $4.1 billion
in 2003, these TNF-blockers are among the most successful of biotechnology
drugs. However, these drugs have also been under health-risk suspicion
and the negative spotlight on Remicade has only added fuel to the
fire.
Studies have proven Remicade and Enbrel to put patients at risk
of tuberculosis as well. Health officials said 12 Californians who
had taken the drugs tested positive for the disease. Two of those
infected died. A report predicted that as the use of these drugs
increases, the associated cases of tuberculosis might increase as
well.
Many are concerned of what other health conditions may "come
out of the closet" with taking these drugs. Either way, chances
are pharmaceutical companies will be extremely conservative about
associated side effects of drugs.
Yahoo
News October 8, 2004
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