Category: Autoimmune disease

Humira, while an effective treatment for many autoimmune conditions, carries a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated boxed warning for serious infections and malignancy. What is the downside to Humira? The primary concerns involve immune suppression, potential serious health risks, logistical challenges, and high cost.

Affecting an estimated 1 in 100 people worldwide, celiac disease remains a significant health challenge, with the gluten-free diet as the only current treatment. While there is no single new pill for celiac disease currently approved, an exciting pipeline of investigational oral medications is advancing through clinical trials, offering hope beyond dietary restrictions.

Many autoimmune diseases and certain cancers are characterized by abnormally high levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and pathogenic autoantibodies. Understanding **what medications can lower IgG levels** is crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions in these conditions, and a variety of pharmacological approaches exist to achieve this goal.

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population lives with an autoimmune disease, many of whom are treated with biologic drugs [1.11.1, 1.11.2]. When considering treatment, it's vital to ask: **What is the difference between Remicade and Humira?** These are two common, yet distinct, options.

An estimated one-third of people with systemic lupus erythematosus experience ophthalmic symptoms, but the most significant risk of irreversible vision loss is tied to a specific medication. Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a cornerstone of lupus therapy, can cause a rare but serious condition known as retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and managed properly.

Initially developed as an antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine (brand name Plaquenil) is now widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For many patients, a key question arises: is hydroxychloroquine an immunosuppressant?

In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mean and median pain scores for methotrexate injections were found to be low, but some patients still experience moderate to severe pain. For individuals receiving subcutaneous methotrexate injections, learning how to make a methotrexate injection less painful is a critical step towards consistent treatment and improved quality of life. This guide explores various strategies, from preparation and technique to managing anxiety, to help reduce injection discomfort.

Ivermectin is an FDA-approved medication used to treat parasitic infections [1.2.1]. Recently, its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have prompted investigation into a compelling question: Can ivermectin help autoimmune disease?

According to a 2017 review, patients supplementing with folate while on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis were significantly less likely to experience elevated liver enzymes and gastrointestinal side effects. Understanding how much folic acid should I take with methotrexate is crucial for reducing toxicity and improving tolerability.

Over 80 types of autoimmune diseases exist, and medications that suppress the immune system are a primary treatment for many, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These powerful pharmaceuticals work by inhibiting or reducing immune activity to stop the body from attacking its own healthy tissues or a transplanted organ.