FDA Finally Admits That Drugs for Crohn's Disease and Arthritis May Promote Cancer
naturalnews.com
by David Gutierrez, staff writer
18 Jun 2010
(NaturalNews) The FDA has ordered makers of drugs for a variety of inflammatory
diseases to add a "black box warning" about an increased risk of cancer
in children and adolescents.
A black box warning is the most severe warning that the FDA can place on a product
without withdrawing it from the market.
The FDA began analyzing the drugs, known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers,
when reports emerged that dozens of children had developed cancer while taking
the drugs. TNF blockers are used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They include adalimumab (marketed
as Humira), certolizumab pegol (marketed as Cimzia), etanercept (marketed as
Enbrel), golimumab (marketed as Simponi) and infliximab (marketed as Remicade.
"FDA announced that it has completed its analysis of TNF blockers and has
concluded that there is an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers associated
with the use of these drugs in children and adolescents," spokesperson Crystal
Rice said . "This new safety information is now being added to the boxed
warning for these products."
The drugs already carry warnings about the risk of fungal infections and other
side effects.
Since people with the inflammatory diseases that TNF blockers treat are already
at an increased risk of cancer, those who take the drugs are at particularly
high risk.
"It's good to have this information out there," said Patience White
of the Arthritis Foundation. "It gives people with arthritis an opportunity
to go to their doctor and talk about the risk/benefits."
The FDA advises all patients currently taking TNF blockers that the drugs may
increase their risk of lymphoma, leukemia and other cancers; may worsen pre-psoriasis;
and may increase the risk of psoriasis. Such patients should watch for cancer
warning signs such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms or groin; unexpected
weight loss or fatigue; or easy bruising or bleeding. Any such symptoms should
be discussed with a doctor. Patients should not stop or change prescription drugs
without consulting a physician first.
