Biologic Agents
- 1. Biologic agents differ in their effectiveness for controlling specific rheumatic diseases depending on what immunologic process and/or cytokines are driving the patient’s inflammation.
- 2. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are more effective when combined with methotrexate (MTX).
- 3. Interleukin-1 inhibitors are most effective for Still’s disease and the cryopyrinopathies.
- 4. Interleukin (IL) 6 receptor inhibitor is effective for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and giant cell arteritis (GCA).
- 5. Risk of hepatitis B reactivation and mycobacterial infections are increased in patients on biologics.
- 6. Live vaccines should not be given to patients on biologic agents.
