From the Guidelines
Taking a TNF inhibitor without a medical condition it's approved for is not recommended and potentially dangerous, as it can significantly compromise your immune system and increase the risk of serious infections and other adverse effects. TNF inhibitors like adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), and golimumab (Simponi) are powerful immunosuppressants designed to treat specific inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.
According to the most recent and highest quality study, the use of TNF inhibitors in patients without a clear medical indication can lead to an increased risk of infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, and opportunistic infections such as histoplasmosis, listeriosis, and cryptococcosis 1. Additionally, TNF inhibitors can cause injection site reactions, allergic responses, and other side effects like headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.
The potential risks associated with TNF inhibitors are significant, and patients should only be treated with these medications under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and with a clear medical indication. The use of TNF inhibitors without a medical need can also represent a substantial financial waste, as these medications are expensive, typically costing thousands of dollars per month.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of TNF inhibitors include:
- The increased risk of infections, including opportunistic infections
- The potential for allergic reactions and other adverse effects
- The importance of careful monitoring and early evaluation in the event of an infection
- The need for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional before initiating therapy with TNF inhibitors
- The potential for financial waste associated with the use of these medications without a clear medical indication.
Overall, the use of TNF inhibitors without a medical condition it's approved for is not recommended and potentially dangerous, and patients should only be treated with these medications under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and with a clear medical indication 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Effectiveness has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
TNF Inhibitors and Their Indications
- TNF inhibitors are primarily used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- These medications work by targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key cytokine involved in the inflammatory response 3, 5.
Effects of Taking TNF Inhibitors Without a Prescribed Disease
- There is no direct evidence to suggest what happens if a person takes a TNF inhibitor without having one of the diseases it is meant for.
- However, it is known that TNF inhibitors can have significant safety implications, including increased risk of infections and other adverse effects 2.
- The use of TNF inhibitors in patients without a prescribed disease may lead to unnecessary exposure to these risks.
Importance of Proper Indication and Use
- TNF inhibitors should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and for approved indications 3, 4, 6, 5.
- The development of a personalized medicine approach to identify primary non-responders to anti-TNFs prior to treatment could help optimize treatment outcomes and minimize unnecessary use 6.