Certain drugs increase tuberculosis risk

Adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade), prescription medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, block an immune-system protein. This can allow tuberculosis to emerge from silent infections. Labels for these drugs already carry TB warnings, but the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that more vigilance is needed. Patients should be sure to get screened for TB before starting these drugs. Those already taking them should ask their physicians about a TB test, and be alert for symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or an enlarged lymph gland.