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FDA Finally Admits That Drugs for Crohn's Disease and Arthritis May

Promote Cancer

Friday, June 18, 2010 by: Gutierrez, staff writer

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(NaturalNews) The FDA has ordered makers of drugs for a variety of

inflammatory diseases to add a " black box warning " about an increased risk of

cancer in children and adolescents.

A black box warning is the most severe warning that the FDA can place on a

product without withdrawing it from the market.

The FDA began analyzing the drugs, known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

blockers, when reports emerged that dozens of children had developed cancer

while taking the drugs. TNF blockers are used to treat inflammatory and

autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They

include adalimumab (marketed as Humira), certolizumab pegol (marketed as

Cimzia), etanercept (marketed as Enbrel), golimumab (marketed as Simponi) and

infliximab (marketed as Remicade.

" FDA announced that it has completed its analysis of TNF blockers and has

concluded that there is an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers

associated with the use of these drugs in children and adolescents, "

spokesperson Crystal Rice said . " This new safety information is now being added

to the boxed warning for these products. "

The drugs already carry warnings about the risk of fungal infections and

other side effects.

Since people with the inflammatory diseases that TNF blockers treat are

already at an increased risk of cancer, those who take the drugs are at

particularly high risk.

" It's good to have this information out there, " said Patience White of the

Arthritis Foundation. " It gives people with arthritis an opportunity to go to

their doctor and talk about the risk/benefits. "

The FDA advises all patients currently taking TNF blockers that the drugs

may increase their risk of lymphoma, leukemia and other cancers; may worsen

pre-psoriasis; and may increase the risk of psoriasis. Such patients should

watch for cancer warning signs such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck,

underarms or groin; unexpected weight loss or fatigue; or easy bruising or

bleeding. Any such symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. Patients should

not stop or change prescription drugs without consulting a physician first.

Sources for this story include