All News
FDA Approves New Amgen Biosimilar for Adalimumab
2016 has been a big year for biosimilars in rheumatology.
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After the 1st TNF Inhibitor, a Non-TNF Biologic is Next Best
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.
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Demyelinating Disease is a Rare Complication of TNF Inhibition.
A recent review has shown that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi) rarely cause MS-like disorders.
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New Shingles Vaccine Effective for up to Four Years
In the current issue of the NEJM, a Herpes zoster subunit vaccine was reported to be highly effective in adults - specifically in 2 studies (ZOE50 and ZOE70) targeting adults over age 50 and over age 70 years. (Citation source: http://buff.ly/2cMng17)
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DSB Reports and Updates - September 2016
Updates and journal articles on opioids, drug induced sarcoidosis, cancer and cancer recurrence risks with TNF inhibitors and biologics, and FDA labeling changes.
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Adalimumab Lowers Risk of Uveitis Flares in Visual I Study
Rheumatologists may encounter patients with intermediate, posterior and pan-uveitis as part of certain rheumatic diseases such as Behcet’s, but more frequently may be called on to co-manage these patients with steroid sparing agents.
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The RheumNow Week in Review – 9 September 2016
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.
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Shingles Plus Autoimmune Disease Hikes Stroke Risk
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.
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Is Biologic Safety Different in the Elderly?
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.
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RheumNow Week in Review – 2 September 2016
Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this week in RheumNow:
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Another Biosimilar Approval - Etanercep-szzs by Novartis
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.
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FDA Approves Updated Denosumab Warnings
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the warnings of all marked bisphosphonates to include the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical femoral fractures (AFF).
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Zurampic Helps Allopurinol Non-Responders
Lesinurad (Zurampic) was approved earlier this year as adjunctive therapy to other urate-lowering therapies. It is a selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitor (URAT-1 inhibitor) designed to treat gout, and be used in combination with other xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
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RheumNow Week in Review – 26 August 2016
Dr. Jack Cush reviews news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com.
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Prior Cancer Patients May Safely Receive TNF Inhibitors or Rituximab
Current guidelines regarding the use of biologics in patients who have previously had a malignancy are based more on opinion than evidence.
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Drug Use Compounds Risk - Before and After Fragility Fractures
Is the occurrence of a fragility fracture a missed opportunity to reduce exposure to prescription drugs associated with fracture risk?
Risk of Sepsis or Death Lower with Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers from Germany have analyzed their large prospective rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registry to address whether being on biologic therapies leads to poorer outcomes - namely sepsis or death, following a serious infection (SIE).
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Fewer Psoriasis Patients Satisfied with Current Treatments
A new national survey in the United States of nearly 600 individuals with psoriasis, reveals that although patients have numerous treatment options, they have difficulty finding treatment plans that work. In addition, respondents reported a heavy emotional toll, with many feeling isolated and stigmatized due to the condition.
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Smoking Worsens Rheumatoid Inflammation
Tobacco and chronic smoking is a major risk factor for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic smoking has been linked to severity of disease and lower DMARD response rates.
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Rheumatologists May be Unaware of New Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy Monitoring Guidelines
Rheumatologists are well-acquainted with the rules for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy screening: A) annual visits to the ophthalmologist and B) maintain HCQ doses at less than 6.5 mg/kg to avoid retinopathy.
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