Is Risk of Infection Increased With Use of a TNF Blocker?
What is the relationship betweenTNF(tumor necrosis factor) and infection?
Is there any case in which a patient’s medical history or clinical symptoms would preclude prescribingTNF blockers?
Phil Fisk / Cultura / Getty Images
Like all medications, however, there are potential side effects.
Here’s the bottom line:
Scott J. Zashin, M.D.
With elective surgery, there are no recommendations from the companies as to whether to temporarily stop treatment.
There is limited and conflicting data on the effect of TNF blockers on surgical outcomes.
Humira should be stopped 2 weeks before and resumed 1 week after.
Remicade should be stopped 4 weeks before and resumed 10 days to 4 weeks after surgery."
Individual physicians may have different requirements.
Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, phone interview.
