Tag: Immunology

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the label for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to include a warning for immune-mediated colitis based on post-marketing case reports. While it does not directly cause classic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the majority of patients, rare but serious reports suggest a link that demands careful attention.

According to the official Ocrevus prescribing information, live-attenuated vaccines are not recommended during treatment, but inactivated vaccines may be administered, though with potentially reduced effectiveness. This means patients on Ocrevus must carefully consider which vaccines are safe and effective for them. Navigating the world of immunizations can be complex for those receiving immunosuppressive therapy, but understanding the guidelines is a critical step in managing your overall health.

With a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 26 to 28 days, understanding what is the elimination of ocrelizumab is crucial for comprehending its sustained effects on B-cell depletion. Unlike many small-molecule drugs, this large monoclonal antibody is cleared primarily through catabolism rather than classic hepatic or renal metabolism, a process it shares with the body's own antibodies.

According to the FDA, a severe worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms can occur in rare cases when you stop taking Gilenya (fingolimod), with most instances happening within the first 12 weeks. This phenomenon is often referred to as a rebound effect and can result in significant and sometimes permanent disability.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, an overactive immune system can mistakenly attack healthy tissues, necessitating medication to manage the response. So, **what kind of drug suppresses the body's immune response?** These medications, known as immunosuppressants, are vital for managing autoimmune disorders and preventing organ transplant rejection.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Otezla has been shown to be safe and effective when taken with methotrexate for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The decision of whether you can take methotrexate and Otezla together, however, is a complex one that requires careful medical supervision and consideration of a patient's specific condition and health profile.

For over 70 years, aluminum salts were the primary adjuvant used in licensed human vaccines. However, the answer to 'What are two classes of adjuvants?' reveals a broader field of pharmacology, primarily categorizing these immune boosters into delivery systems (particulate) and immune potentiators, based on their distinct mechanisms of action.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) covering nerve fibers. This inflammatory response is at the core of MS symptoms, and addressing it is crucial to both managing relapses and slowing disease progression, making the question of what is the best anti inflammatory for MS patients a key concern.

The first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody (mAb) for therapeutic use, muromonab-CD3, was approved in 1986 for preventing organ transplant rejection, marking a new era of targeted medicine. Since this historic milestone, a diverse and growing range of FDA approved monoclonal antibody therapies has revolutionized treatment paradigms across various diseases.

For nearly a century, aluminum salts have been a cornerstone of vaccine development. This widespread use often prompts the question, **what is the most commonly used adjuvant?** The answer for human vaccines is, unequivocally, aluminum salts.