Drugs May Increase Shingles Risk

Some drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of a painful skin infection, a study finds. The study focused on people who take TNF blockers. These drugs suppress the immune system. They can help people with rheumatoid arthritis and some other diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body. The study tracked 5,040 people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a 3-year period, 82 developed shingles. This is a skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. People were twice as likely to develop shingles if they took infliximab (Remicade) or adalimumab (Humira). Both drugs are TNF blockers. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. HealthDay News wrote about it February 17.