Serious Skin Reactions with TNF antagonists

Implications:  This article is important in that it defined the incidence of serious skin reactions to the three common TNF antagonists- Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade. The incidence is relatively low in comparison to the numbers of patients treated. Any foreign protein has the potential for eliciting these reactions, and these reports are to be expected. The reactions range from the milder Erythema Multiforme to the more serious Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. The reactions are more common in female patients receiving these products for rheumatoid arthritis.

Analysis: It is doubtful that this report will have any significant effect on the three companies that manufacture the three TNF antagonists- Amgen, Abbott, or Centocor. The incidence of these reactions is low and these reactions have been reported with multiple agents in the past and are not unique to these products.