Is TNF inhibitor therapy helpful for ankylosing spondylitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had ankylosing spondylitis (HLA B27 positive) for the past 12 years, and with pulmonary tuberculosis the very next year. And took medicine for nine months, and now I am daily taking Saaz, and I am going to plan for Biologics.

The doctor suggested Etanercept 50 mg, but I am afraid of side effects, as I have already been affected by TB for 11 years. Shall I go for biologic Etanercept 50 mg, and what precautions should I take during biologics? I'm sharing the report here.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You need to do the Mantoux test and interferon gamma level before starting biologics because they can cause reactivation of tuberculosis. If there is doubt, you should receive the two-drug ATT regimen (anti-tubercular treatment) before starting biologics, which is recommended if either Montoux or interferon gamma is positive.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Then better would take three months regimen for tuberculosis before starting ATT. You may not have tuberculosis, but prevention is always better than cure.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.