Denver, CO 10/6/2008 6:06:11 AM
LegalView Informs Patients of Possible Cimzia Cancer Link, Drug Commonly Used to Treat Arthritis
LegalView, the number one resource for everything and anything legal on the Internet, informed arthritis and Crohn's disease patients about the potentially fatal dangers posed by a group of prescription drugs known as TNF blockers. The drugs, which include Cimzia, Humira, Enbrel and Remicade, are all categorized as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors that act as immunosuppressors to decrease the pain in patients suffering from rheumatoid or juvenile arthritis as well as Crohn's disease, which is a severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
One of the TNF blockers is the drug known as Remicade (infliximabe) from Johnson & Johnson, which was approved in 1999. The drug treats psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and ulcerative colitis. The potential Remicade side effects associated with taking the drug can include the development of blood disorders (some of which have been deemed fatal) allergic reactions, reactivation of hepatitis B and the potential for developing lymphoma, according to the company.
Humira from Abbott Laboratories was introduced for use only a few years ago in 2002. Patients taking Humira -- also approved to treat rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis -- should speak to a medical professional immediately if they are showing any signs of the potential Humira side effects that can occur ampng those who consume the drug. These can include jaundice, weakness, confusion, seizure, shortness of breath and a burning sensation during urination.
Enbrel (etanercept) is manufactured by Amgen and Wyeth and was released for market use in 1998. The drug has been approved to treat an array of conditions including severe rheumatoid arthritis, moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and plaque psoriasis. In addition to the potential for causing possibly fatal infections, the Enbrel side effects can range from a dry cough to fever, shortness of breath, swollen glands, muscle aches and chest pain, vomiting/nausea or seizures.
Of the TNF inhibitors, Cimzia is the most recent to be approved for use, approved in 2008. Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is from makers UCB and was approved for treating Crohn's disease, which affects more than half a million Americans currently. Individuals who have taken Cimzia and are at potential risk for developing fatal infection or cancer should contact a medical professional immediately and will likely need to discontinue use of the drug. Patients may also need further information on developing a potential Cimzia class action lawsuit in case monetary compensation is needed to pay for the medical bills associated with the Cimzia side effects. If this occurs, contacting an experienced Cimzia attorney who can provide a free legal consultation may be necessary.
In addition to providing legal information about the severe medical risks associated with the TNF blockers, LegalView also recently updated two of its information portals to provide victims of both mesothelioma cancer and truck accidents relief by offering articles, jury verdicts and treatments on coping with their recent misfortune.
Mesothelioma victims can visit the mesothelioma blog to read about the latest news updated several times a week offering tips on how to participate in clinical trials as well as the latest treatment available.
For truck accident victims, LegalView provides the latest statistics on commercial truck accidents, considered the most costly and fatal of all vehicular accidents, as well as how to obtain a truck accident attorney.
About LegalView:
LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com/.
