RESEARCH - Sinusitis: a possible link with Humira (adalimumab)

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Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Sep;27(9):1189-90. Epub 2008 Jun 26.

Sinusitis: a possible link with adalimumab.

Haroon M, Bond U, Phelan M.

Arthritis and Osteoporosis Centre, South Infirmary- University

Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland.

The experience with anti-TNF agents is relatively short; and with

time, we are learning more about the frequency of occurrence of

different adverse events as the original trials were either too small

or too brief. We report a case series of four patients who suffered

from chronic inflammatory arthritis [rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3) and

psoriatic arthritis (n = 1)]. Their inflammatory arthritis remained

refractory to increasing doses of methotrexate up to 20 mg weekly and

required an advance in treatment to TNF antagonists. However, within a

few weeks of commencing these patients on adalimumab, they developed

newly diagnosed recurring sinusitis. All these patients were assessed

by otorhinolaryngologists, and had clinically confirmed diagnosis. The

sinusitis remained refractory to standard medications; however, it

resolved after the discontinuation of adalimumab. Although FDA and

Irish Pharmaceutical Health Association describe that adalimumab use

increases the risk of non-serious infections marginally and most of

the patients continued on Humira (adalimumab) after the infection was

resolved, however, our recent observation raises the concern of

probable higher incidence.

PMID: 18581158

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18581158

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Not an MD