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Biologic Response
Modifiers:
These medications have been
developed to specifically target components of the immune
system that appear to be involved in inflammation in the
setting of various rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid
arthritis. While biologic response modifiers suppress the
immune system more selectively than many of the above agents,
patients are generally rendered more prone to developing
infections while taking these medications. Because of the
expense involved in manufacturing these drugs, the cost of
biologic response modifiers is considerable but typically
covered by most insurance plans under certain situations. For
those without coverage needing these medications, programs are
available through participating pharmaceutical companies to
provide them for patients.
Presently available biologic response modifiers are
administered only in injectable or intravenous forms and
include the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists
etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab, and the
interleukin-1 antagonist anakinra.
Recently, two new intravenous medications
with different mechanisms of action, rituximab
and abatacept,
have been approved for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and may
also be used in other rheumatic diseases in the near future.
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