Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors Essay

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors Essay

Tumor Necrosing factor inhibitors, which are also known as biologics, find application in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Please elucidate the purposes for which these drugs are prescribed, delve into the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with them, outline the necessary monitoring procedures, and detail the educational aspects to be provided to patients. Ensure that your information draws from reputable peer-reviewed sources and professional articles, as per the instructor’s requirements.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors

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Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors

Agents that inhibit Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) encompass medications like adalimumab, infliximab, and golimumab. These belong to a category of biological drugs endorsed by the FDA for the management of various conditions, including ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, among others. These ailments are aggravated by the actions of TNF. Off-label use of these agents is observed in the treatment of conditions such as sarcoidosis, Behcet’s disease, and graft-versus-host disease by certain healthcare providers. These agents thwart the inflammatory cascade orchestrated by TNF, as outlined by Gerriets in 2020 in the essay “Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors.”

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This inhibition of TNF’s inflammatory effects involves various mechanisms, including the activation of leukocytes via signaling pathways, leading to the transcription of protein kinases and proteases. This ultimately results in immunomodulation, characterized by the induction of apoptosis in immune cells and the suppression of T lymphocytes.

These medications may elicit both mild and severe side effects. Minor adverse reactions, although not warranting discontinuation of the medication, can manifest as rashes, headaches, abdominal pain, sinusitis, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious adverse effects may arise, particularly those linked to immunosuppression, rendering patients susceptible to fungal, viral, or bacterial infections. In severe instances, these infections can prove fatal. Studies have indicated reactivation of latent tuberculosis in some patients, along with an elevated risk of malignancies, particularly lymphomas (Salomon, 2018). Additional side effects encompass Therapy-Associated Lupus and Congestive Cardiac Failure, which can have dire consequences if not promptly addressed. Notably, a significant contraindication exists for patients with known hypersensitivity to these drugs.

Prior to administering these medications, it is imperative to provide patients with comprehensive information about the potential benefits and drawbacks. A complete disclosure of possible side effects is essential. Furthermore, the administration process and related conditions should be thoroughly explained. Monitoring should be undertaken before, during, and after medication. The recommended monitoring frequency is every three to six months, involving liver function tests and blood counts (Papamichael, 2019). Current evidence also suggests advising patients against receiving any vaccinations while undergoing treatment with TNF inhibitors (“Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors Essay”).

References

Gerriets, V., Bansal, P., Goyal, A., & Khaddour, K. (2020). Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. StatPearls [internet].

Papamichael, K., Vogelzang, E. H., Lambert, J., Wolbink, G., & Cheifetz, A. S. (2019). Therapeutic drug monitoring with biologic agents in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Expert review of clinical immunology, 15(8), 837-848.

Salomon, B. L., Leclerc, M., Tosello, J., Ronin, E., Piaggio, E., & Cohen, J. L. (2018). Tumor necrosis factor α and regulatory T cells in oncoimmunology. Frontiers in immunology, 9, 444.