Biologic therapy has transformed the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) therapy. However, the biologics are considered to have a better safety profile than DMARDs in general. This article discusses the safety profile of most potent antirheumatic biologic molecule TNF- α inhibitors. Almost all RA treatment guidelines recommend an aggressive initial therapy with DMARDs to prevent joint destruction, disability, and loss of work capacity.
The emergence of biologic agents has provided effective therapeutic options for patients with inadequate response to conventional DMARDs. Despite the efficacy of biologic agents, their immunomodulatory properties have raised many safety concerns, prompting careful evaluation in clinical trials and intensive post-marketing surveillance. Currently approved and highly…
