Nor-Switch Study Shows it's Safe to Switch to a Biosimilar

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The results of the Nor-Switch study were presented at the United European Gastroenterology annual congress this week demonstrating no significant difference in effect, adverse effects or antibody formation in patients switched from Remicade to the biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13, Remsima).

Long-Term Outcomes of Aromatase Inhibitor Arthralgias

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Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are often given in the setting of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer therapy.

CDC Says Prevalence of Severe Joint Pain is Rising

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The October 7th edition of MMWR reports that severe joint pain (SJP) has significantly risen from 10.5 million in 2012 to 27.2% in 2014, based on recent NHIS surveys.

Biosimilar Reports – October 2016

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RheumNow will periodically review this subject with “Biosimilar Reports” providing updates, news, new publications, overview articles and research results impacting to biosimilar development and use.

The Arthritis Spectrum after Lyme Infection - Something New

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Symptoms attributed to chronic Lyme disease are the bane of a rheumatologist’s existence. We often see patients referred for a variety of nonspecific complaints that do not resolve after antibiotic therapy, including the so-called post-Lyme disease syndrome.

BUILD Study - Baricitinib Shows Rapid Efficacy and X-ray Protection

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Baricitinib is an oral, small molecule, once-daily DMARD, that specifically inhibits Janus kinase 1 and 2 and is being developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis. With much of the developmental clinical trials completed, the drug is slated for review and potential approval near the end of the year.

Recognizing Arboviral Infections in Rheumatic Disease Patients.

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What does sex have to do with it? Although the Zika virus infection is known to be sexually transmitted, the same cannot be claimed for Dengue or Chikungunya.

After the 1st TNF Inhibitor, a Non-TNF Biologic is Next Best

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Most US rheumatologists use multiple TNF inhibitors before switching. A new French study suggests that "other-MOA", non-TNF biologics are more effective after failing a TNF inhibitor.

Demyelinating Disease is a Rare Complication of TNF Inhibition.

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A recent review has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) rarely cause MS-like disorders.

Aspergillus Arthritis - A Rare Opportunistic Infection

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The International Osteoarticular Mycoses Consortitum has publist their review Aspergillus arthritis caused by invasive aspergillosis.

Their review identified 31 evaluable cases, 87% of whom were males and adults.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 9 September 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com, including IBD/TNFi and cancer risk, fracture nonunion, PMR worse in women, not treating asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and shingles followed by stroke.

Shingles Plus Autoimmune Disease Hikes Stroke Risk

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Patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases who develop herpes zoster are at increased risk of stroke for the subsequent 3 months, with risks diminishing thereafter, analysis of Medicare data showed.

P. Gingivalis Antibodies Antedate Rheumatoid Arthritis Onset

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Periodontal disease, gingivitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis have been linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the production of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).

Is Biologic Safety Different in the Elderly?

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The factors that influence the safety of biologic therapy are numerous. Amongst them, increasing age is a potential risk factor, moreso if you also consider the polypharmacy, comorbidities and longer disease duration inherent in an elderly group of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Flares Portend Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Time for a New Strategy?

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Disease flares are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), often causing patients to seek additional care, if not medication.

The frequency of flares varies amongst studies in different populations.  But the consequence of flares has only recently been studied.

Cost of Osteoporosis Care in the USA

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The 2010 NHANES study suggests that the overall prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in the USA is ~10% or 10.2 million older adults (> 50 yrs) had osteoporosis.

Another Biosimilar Approval - Etanercep-szzs by Novartis

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Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new biosimilar, Erelzi, (etanercept-szzs), for the same multipile indications as the originator Enbrel, including rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Erelzi, will be generically labelled as etanercept-szzs.

RheumNow Week in Review – 26 August 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Prior Cancer Patients May Safely Receive TNF Inhibitors or Rituximab

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Current guidelines regarding the use of biologics in patients who have previously had a malignancy are based more on opinion than evidence.

Drug Use Compounds Risk - Before and After Fragility Fractures

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Is the occurrence of a fragility fracture a missed opportunity to reduce exposure to prescription drugs associated with fracture risk?