Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha

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Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha - What is it for

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (anti-TNFα) belongs to a class of medications called biologics or more specifically, biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD).

Biologics work by blocking targeted parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in the body.

Anti-TNFα targets and blocks the effect of TNF. This reduces inflammation and flares, improves symptoms and quality of life, and prevents disease progression.

There are many anti-TNFα drugs available including adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab. It may be used alone (monotherapy) or together with other DMARDs.

Biologics are more costly compared to conventional DMARDs. Your doctor may discuss with you if there is a biosimilar (non-branded version of the original biologic) which works the same way as biologics at a more affordable cost.