Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. It affects about 1.5 million people in the United States, and around 1% of the world’s population.
The disease can cause significant disability and is associated with an increased risk of infections.
The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Infections
People with rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to infections than the general population. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including:.
- The disease itself causes inflammation, which can weaken the immune system
- Some of the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can suppress the immune system
- People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have other health problems, such as diabetes, that can also increase the risk of infections
Drugs Used to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Increase Infection Risk
A new study has found that some of the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of infections.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and found that those who were taking biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) had a 30% higher risk of infections than those who were not taking these drugs.
bDMARDs are a type of medication that target specific molecules involved in the immune system.
They are often used when other treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), have not been effective.
Which bDMARDs Are Associated with Increased Infection Risk?
The study found that several bDMARDs were associated with an increased risk of infections. These included:.
Related Article
Medications for rheumatoid arthritis that increase infection risk by 30%
- Abatacept
- Adalimumab
- Anakinra
- Etanercept
- Golimumab
- Infliximab
- Rituximab
- Tocilizumab
However, the researchers noted that the absolute risk of infections was still relatively low, and that the benefits of these drugs in controlling rheumatoid arthritis may outweigh the risks.
Reducing the Risk of Infections in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
While it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of infections in people with rheumatoid arthritis, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk:.
- Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia
- Take medications as prescribed and report any symptoms of infection to your healthcare provider
- Monitor your health closely and seek medical attention if you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or a cough
It is also important for healthcare providers to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of different medications when treating rheumatoid arthritis.
While bDMARDs may be effective in controlling the disease, the increased risk of infections should be considered when making treatment decisions.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause significant disability.
People with the disease are more susceptible to infections due to a combination of factors, including the disease itself and some of the medications used to treat it. A new study has found that some bDMARDs are associated with a 30% higher risk of infections in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
While the absolute risk of infections is relatively low, healthcare providers should carefully consider the risks and benefits of different treatments when managing the disease.
