Treatments

Jeff has been on a steroid the last two weeks which suppresses his immune system; he hasn’t been feeling well.

Jeff went to the Rheumatologist this morning for a follow up visit.  He will soon start taking Humira (an injectable TNF alpha blocker) every other week.  This treatment carries the risk of infections, especially tuberculosis because it suppresses the body’s ability to fight off infections. It works by blocking a proteins known as TNF alpha which causes inflammation.  Normally this protein helps fight infection but in Jeff’s case, the excess amount causes painful inflammation and eventually can cause severe joint damage.