Immunosuppressive drugs can kill you

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Immunosuppressive drugs can kill you

Daily Comet - Thibodaux,LA,USA

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090223/LETTERS/902231910?

Title=Immunosuppressive-drugs-can-kill-you

Published: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.

In November of 2008, we were warned of the dangers of

immunosuppressive drugs to treat arthritis. The Food and Drug

Administration ordered stronger warnings on four popular arthritis

medications (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia) because they can

raise the risk of fatal histoplasmosis and other fungal infections.

Histoplasmosis is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum and can

cause flu-like symptoms. The FDA reviewed 240 reports of

histoplasmosis in patients taking Enbrel, Humira or Remicade, most of

whom reside in the Ohio River and Mississippi River valleys, where

the fungus is endemic. These drugs suppress our immune system and

they are " double-edged swords. " Our immune system guards us from

infections and is the basis of vaccination protection. Now, the FDA

has issued a warning against Raptiva, another immunosuppressive

medication used to treat psoriasis, after the drug was linked to a

series of reported cases of brain infections. Raptiva has been linked

to three confirmed cases of progressive multifocal

leukoencephalopathy, as well as another possible case. All four

patients had taken Raptiva continuously for at least three years.

Three of the patients have died. Because of safety concerns and

patient deaths following the instances of PML, health officials in

Europe and the USA urged the removal of Raptiva from the market,

saying that the benefits of the drug " no longer outweigh its risks. "

Additionally, they said that patients undergoing treatment with

Raptiva should be taken off the drug immediately if they display

symptoms of nervous system disturbances. PML is a rare but

progressive disease caused by viral inflammation of the nerves in the

brain. Severe cases of PML can lead to paralysis and death,

especially for patients with an immune deficiency. I am amazed that

anyone can listen to the litany of dangerous side effects in most

drug commercials, especially for drugs such as Enbrel, and still

voluntarily swallow these " so-called medicines " on a daily basis.

In the America that I love, we will actually use our common sense

when listening to the dangers in the dialogue of the drug commercials

and not be simply mesmerized by the visual images of patients dancing

gaily about or joyfully participating in sporting events. Always

consult your physician. Please remember folks, some of these drugs

can actually kill you or a loved one and that is the pinnacle of

a " serious side effect. "

Dr. Randolph M. Howes

Kentwood