Adverse Impact of Tremfya: Understanding the Risks and Coping Strategies
In the realm of immune-mediated diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, Tremfya (guselkumab) has emerged as a potential solution. This fully-human monoclonal antibody, which blocks the cytokine IL-23, has shown a generally reassuring long-term safety profile on the immune system in adults, according to studies spanning up to 6 years [1][2][3].
While Tremfya may lower the immune system's ability to fight infections, increasing the risk of common infections like upper respiratory tract infections and mild injection site reactions, serious adverse events are uncommon and comparable to the general psoriasis population [1][2][3].
It's worth noting that IL-23 inhibitors like Tremfya tend to preserve some protective immune functions, resulting in a lower infection risk compared to IL-17 inhibitors [1]. Real-world and clinical trial data support consistent or improving safety profiles over prolonged treatment periods, including older adults and those with other health conditions [1].
However, patients using Tremfya are advised to be monitored by healthcare providers for infections and immune-related side effects during long-term use [2][3]. In clinical trials, infections were reported as a long-term side effect of Tremfya. The most common infections reported were upper respiratory tract infections, fungal infections, and digestive system infections [1].
Symptoms of an infection can include fever, weight loss, tiredness, headache, nausea, achiness, cough, chills, sweating, and they were typically mild or moderate [1]. For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away [1].
Mild side effects of Tremfya include mild infections, joint pain, diarrhea, fatigue, increased liver enzymes, headache, injection site reactions, and mild allergic reaction [1]. Cancer and weight gain are not likely side effects of Tremfya [1]. Hair loss and depression were not reported as side effects of Tremfya in clinical trials [1].
Common side effects of Tremfya include upper respiratory infection, headache, injection site reactions, joint pain, and diarrhea [1]. The most common infections reported in Tremfya's clinical trials were upper respiratory tract infection, herpes simplex infection, and fungal infection [1].
It's not known whether it's safe to use Tremfya during pregnancy or while breastfeeding [1]. Tremfya is usually given as a subcutaneous injection, but at the beginning of ulcerative colitis treatment, it's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion [1].
If you have symptoms of TB while using Tremfya, tell your doctor immediately [1]. For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away [1]. Tremfya may reduce immune system activity and increase the risk of infection, which can be serious [1]. Symptoms of serious infection include fever, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and shortness of breath [1].
Tremfya is prescribed to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease in adults [1]. Headache is a possible side effect of Tremfya, and frequent mild headaches can impact the quality of your daily life [1]. Serious side effects of Tremfya include serious infection and severe allergic reaction [1].
Injection site reactions, such as redness, bruising, pain, itchiness, swelling, were uncommon in Tremfya's clinical trials [1]. Tremfya can cause TB to reactivate, and symptoms of TB include a long-term cough, chest pain, unexpected fatigue, fever, blood in phlegm, severe weight loss, confusion, chills, night sweats [1].
If you consume alcohol, talk with your doctor before starting Tremfya treatment [1]. If you develop a side effect while taking Tremfya and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088 [1]. There's a risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation with Tremfya use. Your doctor will test you for TB before starting Tremfya treatment and will monitor you during treatment as needed [1].
- In the context of chronic diseases like psoriatic arthritis, retargeting immune response with therapies and treatments such as Tremfya, a fully-human monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-23, presents potential solutions, despite increasing the risk of common infections.
- While medical-conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections and mild injection site reactions occur more frequently in patients using Tremfya, serious adverse events are uncommon and comparable to the general psoriasis population.
- Science reveals that IL-23 inhibitors, like Tremfya, preserve some protective immune functions, resulting in a lower infection risk compared to IL-17 inhibitors, nevertheless, patients using Tremfya should be monitored by healthcare providers for infections and immune-related side effects during long-term use.
- Health-and-wellness enthusiasts may want to consider skin-care regimens that do not interact with medical-conditions like psoriasis or the treatments and therapies used, such as Tremfya, to avoid potential adverse effects.
- It's crucial to note that Tremfya may heighten the risk of TB reactivation and patients should inform doctors immediately if they develop symptoms like a long-term cough, chest pain, unexpected fatigue, fever, blood in phlegm, severe weight loss, confusion, chills, or night sweats during Tremfya treatment.
