Arthritis drugs can cause serious fungal infections, death | United Kingdom

Arthritis drugs can cause serious fungal infections, death

Although health care providers have received warnings that four drugs used to treat arthritis and other serious illnesses can cause fungal infections, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring manufacturers to strengthen the existing warnings.

Some patients with invasive fungal infections who were taking the drugs have died, according to the FDA.

The drugs Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel, and Remicadeare are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, certain types of psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and other immune system disorders.

Based on reports reviewed by the FDA, health care providers aren't consistently recognizing cases of invasive fungal infections, leading to delays in treatment.

The majority of the reports involved people in the Ohio River and Mississippi River valleys where the fungus is commonly found.

Patients taking these drugs should be aware that they're more susceptible to serious fungal infections, the FDA said in its statement. Those who develop a persistent fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue should promptly seek medical attention.

For more information for boomer consumers, see my blog The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide.

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