Science Daily: Frequently Used Biologic Agents Might Cause Acute Liver Injury

[PsychoJane]

"If patients who are taking these biologic agents experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fatigue, physicians should check liver enzyme levels to determine if the symptoms are a result of these drugs," added Dr. Bonacini.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429164926.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine%2Fcrohns_disease+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Health+%26+Medicine+News+--+Crohn%27s+Disease%29

 

[kiny]

They've known this for a while. Infliximab and Humira are extremely harsh on the liver and FDA ranks Infliximab and Humira as the highest cause of acute liver failure in their documents of any drugs. This is not the first bunch of cases, the literature is filled with people with liver issues on those drugs, it came out long after the drugs were released, but it's not new evidence, I remember reading about this at least 3 years ago.

They should be screening people for liver issues before anyone should be allowed on those drugs. It's extremely annoying how unprofessional doctors are at telling people the risks.

 

[KWalker]

Why would they screen people before prescribing them Humira? That means potentially less people being on the medicine and therefore less money for drug companies.

 

[PsychoJane]

I know that they don't put much effort into telling you they screen you for your liver. I mean my doctor was honest as far as tuberculosis go, with the cutaneous test and radiography. They sure did blood tests and I was asked to get a ct-scan to make sure I had no random abscess and my doctor plain told me that there had been cases of death in young patients(30ish) due to unknown abscess that got out of control due to the lack of immune system. Well, point is that no one did point straight at the liver issue coming from these therapies. Thankfully, people will be a bit more aware about these potential side effects and be able to stay alert regarding their potential condition.

I just hate how it is nearly impossible to not become paranoid when on these medication (But that's just my point of view). I personally think that the worries I get from potential side effects are worst on my disease as I am constantly anxious. I end up being better med-free as it ease my mind... Ironical nonetheless.