Biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis: 2008 and beyond

J Infus Nurs. 2009 Jan-Feb;32(1 Suppl):S4-17; quiz S19-24. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0b013e318192e311.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease with a complex underlying pathology and varied presentation in patients. Several novel biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have become available for the treatment of RA. Agents in late-stage clinical trials include golimumab and certolizumab, which are anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha agents; ocrelizumab, an anti-CD20 agent; and tocilizumab, an inhibitor of interleukin-6. As treatment options for RA expand, nursing care will play an increasingly important role in empowering patients through interventions such as patient education and adverse effect management.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / nursing
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology
  • Education, Continuing
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nurse's Role
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • golimumab
  • ocrelizumab
  • tocilizumab