Anti-TNF is biological agent that targets an inflammation causing substance called TNF.
When TNF is present in excessive concentrations, is responsible for the destructive inflammatory process that occur in RA.
It acts by blocking the effect of TNF. Thus, reduce inflammation and stop disease progression.
It is reserved for moderate to severe RA that has not responded to one or more of the traditional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.
It is also used in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
There are five anti-TNF drugs available including Infliximab, Adalimumab, Etanercept, Certolizumab and Golimumab.
It may be used monotherapy (Adalimumab, Etanercept and Certolizumab) or in combination with DMARDs (all anti-TNF).
