Anti-aging physicians have been warned that drugs commonly prescribed for patients with immunological disorders may increase risk of infections other than tuberculosis.
A survey published in the latest issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases stated that anti-TNF therapy used to manage immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, may carry risks of serious infections.
Previous studies have already shown that immunity suppressant drugs are associated with an increased risk of developing tuberculosis.
Kevin Winthrop, managing director of the Oregon Health and Sciences University, said: "While much attention has so far focused on tuberculosis cases occurring in patients using anti-TNF therapies, our findings suggest that nontuberculosus mycobacterial infections, histoplasmosis, and invasive S aureus infections might all be occurring more frequently than TB in this setting within the United States."
According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis currently affects 1.3 million Americans.
Although the cause of the condition remains unknown, recent advances in research and drug development means that sufferers are more able to live more fulfilling lives.
