Possible Side Effects of DMARDs

Nonbiologic DMARDsBiologic DMARDs
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores
  • Rash or serious skin reactions
  • Liver, kidney, or lung problems
  • Redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or pain in the area where the shot was given
  • Sinus infection (sore throat, runny nose, hoarseness)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
Possible Serious Side Effects
  • In rare cases, the nonbiologic DMARD methotrexate and some biologic DMARDs (including adalimumab [Humira®], etanercept [Enbrel®], golimumab [Simponi®], and infliximab [Remicade®]) have been associated with:
    • Serious infections such as tuberculosis (called “TB”), fungal infections such as yeast, pneumonia, or food-borne illnesses such as listeria
    • Cancer, usually lymphoma (cancer in the lymph glands, which are part of the immune system)
  • The risk of serious infections or cancer is increased by taking two or more biologic DMARDs together or by taking a biologic DMARD with a nonbiologic DMARD. The exact risk to people with RA who are taking a DMARD is not known.
  • Rituximab (Rituxan®) can cause a severe reaction the first time you take it. It could also cause a life-threatening rash.

This information comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels of these medicines.

From: Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cover of Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers
Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet].
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