iris, medical physics, poole hospital

Rheumatology Department
Patient Information
Anti TNFα therapy (biologic therapy)
What are anti-TNFα drugs (biologic therapy)?
In people with inflammatory arthritis, a protein called Tumour Necrosing Factor (TNF) is
present in the blood and joints in excessive amounts and this increases inflammation.
Anti-TNFα drugs block the action of TNF and so can reduce inflammation. They are also
effective in reducing or stopping joint damage progression.
Other biologic therapies are also available which block proteins in your body which also
cause inflammation. By blocking these proteins we are able to reduce or stop the
damage to your joints.
Are anti-TNFα (biologic therapy) drugs safe for me?
A full review of your medical history will be taken before starting your medication to
ensure that biologic therapy is appropriate for you.
How are they administered?
Biologic drugs are given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin) or by
intravenous injection (that is through a drip into a vein). If you are to receive the drugs via
a subcutaneous injection, you will be taught how to administer this yourself. If you require
intravenous injection, you will need to go to the hospital each time you have an infusion.
How long will the biologic drug take to work?
If you respond to the drug, you will probably feel better in 2-12 weeks. If you do not
respond to the drug in 3-6 months, the biologic drug will be stopped. Your disease will
then be reassessed and a decision made as to whether you should try a different drug.
Alert card
You will be given an alert card by either a Rheumatology Practitioner or by the nurse who
visits you to show you how to administer your injection. Please carry this with you at all
times. This card should be shown to any medical person you consult to ensure that they
know you are taking this medication.
What do I do if I develop an infection?
People with inflammatory arthritis, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, are known to have an
increased risk of infection. Biologic treatments have an increased effect on the immune
system and may reduce your ability to fight infection. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that you
report any sign of infection to your GP or the rheumatology clinic and stop the medication
immediately. The telephone number for the rheumatology advice line is 01202 442849.
Out of hours, phone your GP or go to the Emergency Department. If in doubt, DO NOT
HAVE YOUR INJECTION.
© Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Template version: 2.April 2016
www.poole.nhs.uk
Possible signs of infection are:
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Fever – feeling hot/cold/shivery (check your temperature with a thermometer - above
37c° indicates a fever)
Chesty cough
Sore throat
Burning or stinging when you pass urine
Diarrhoea/vomiting
Skin lesions, e.g. boils, abscesses, ulcers
Toothache
How can I reduce the risk of infection?
You may be more at risk of food-borne infections such as salmonella and listeria. These
may result in food poisoning and other serious illness. You can lessen this risk by
avoiding foods such as:
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Raw eggs or products made from raw eggs
Unpasteurised milk
Mould-ripened soft cheeses (e.g. Brie and Camembert)
Undercooked meat and poultry
All types of pâté
You should also wash all raw fruit and vegetables and ensure chilled meals are
thoroughly cooked before eating.
Can I take other drugs while on biologic therapy?
Biologic treatments may be given alongside other treatments for your arthritis. Live
vaccines such as polio or yellow fever should not be given with biologic treatments, but
you should arrange to have the pneumococcal vaccine at your GP surgery before you
start treatment.
Is it safe to have babies whilst on biologic therapy?
Some biologic treatments are safe during part of your pregnancy, if you are planning to
have children, please discuss this with your Rheumatologist. Males are not affected by
this treatment.
What do I do if I need surgery while having treatment?
If you require an operation, you will need to temporarily discontinue the treatment. You
must consult your rheumatology practitioner beforehand.
References
RCN (2009) Assessing, managing and monitoring biologic therapies for inflammatory arthritis
Royal College of Nursing, London
Contact details
Rheumatology Advice Line
Tel: 01202 442849
© Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Template version:2 April 2016
www.poole.nhs.uk