News Flash

New Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers Safety & Health Risk Warning

August 5, 2009

Source: The Food and Drug Administration

The FDA has completed its analysis of TNF Blockers and has found an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers when given to children and adolescents, as well as the occurrence of leukemia and new-onset psoriasis in patients treated with TNF blockers.

A new Boxed Warning and updated Medication Guide are being added to the packaging of TNF blockers to include safety information regarding these findings and help patients understand the risks associated with TNF therapy.

TNF Blockers are FDA approved for the treatment of:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

Read the complete 2009 MedWatch Safety summary, including links to the FDA news release and Q&A's, at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm175843.htm.

Read more:
Health Care Professionals Sheet and Data Summaries for lymphoma, leukemia and psoriasis analyses