TNF-alpha Blockers are medications that are indicated in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Psoriatic Arthritis, Plaque Psoriasis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

• Patients with these autoimmune diseases have been found to have increased levels of TNF in their body. These increased TNF levels are believed to play a role in the inflammation often associated with autoimmune diseases.
• TNF (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) is a natural part of the immune system.
• TNF is a cytokine (protein naturally produced by the cells). Cytokines send messages to other cells in the immune system in order to regulate the body's response to disease and infection.
• Inflammation is a natural response by the body when an injury, such as trauma or a localized infection has occurred.
• In some diseases, inflammation is triggered when injury has not occurred. In autoimmune diseases, the body's normally protective immune system damages its own tissues because it recognizes its self as foreign or abnormal.
• TNF-alpha Blockers are medications that bind to TNF, making it inactive and interfering with its ability to cause inflammation.

Cimzia®, Enbrel®, Humira® and Simponi™ are classified as TNF-alpha Blockers. These medicines are given in a subcutaneous injection (shot given in the fat layer under the skin) as prescribed by your physician. Your doctor will instruct you how to take your medicine - you should take your medicine only as prescribed.

• Cimzia® [1.866.4CIMZIA or visit www.cimzia.com for clinical support]
• Enbrel® [1.888.4ENBREL or visit www.enbrel.com for clinical support]
• Humira® [1.800.4HUMIRA or visit www.HUMIRA.com for 24/7 nurse support]
• Simponi™ [1.888.442.4950 or visit www.simponi.com for nurse support]

Common side effects of TNF-alpha Blocker medications:

• Injection site reaction (redness, swelling and/or rash)
• Increased risk of infection - notify your doctor for temperature >100.5 Fahrenheit
• Headache
• Nausea

Important Tips to Remember:

• Should have TB skin test prior to starting medication.
• Notify your doctor if you think you may be a hepatitis B carrier.
• Keep your medication refrigerated until it is time for your scheduled dose.
• Take your medication out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before injecting. This helps reduce the pain at the injection site when the medicine is given.
• Take your medicine only as prescribed and try not to miss a dose - skipping doses may cause a flare-up of symptoms.

The information provided above is educational material and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. You should discuss the information and how it may be applicable to you with your healthcare provider. For MedfusionRx patients if you have any questions about your medication or the side effects, please see the contact us page for your pharmacy number. For more information on dosing, precautions, warnings, interactions and contraindications for a specific medication, please refer to the product information (prescribing information) provided with your medication.