TNF inhibitors — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: In patients taking ruxolitinib, an important side effect is _____toxicity

Answer: hemato

Extra: Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor used in the treatment of myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. Its primary dose-limiting side effects are **hematologic toxicities**, specifically **anemia** and **thrombocytopenia**. While mild LFT elevations can occur, "hematotoxicity" is the high-yield side effect for medical examinations.

Flashcard 2: Etanercept works by complexing with TNF-a and inducing _____ of the complex

Answer: phagocytosis

Flashcard 3: Sulfasalazine is contraindicated in patients with an allergy to _____ drugs

Answer: sulfa

Extra: Sulfasalazine is a DMARD used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It is a combination of sulfapyridine (a sulfonamide) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). It is contraindicated in patients with a sulfonamide (sulfa) allergy. Etanercept, while also used for RA, is a TNF-alpha inhibitor and does not have this contraindication.

Flashcard 4: Certolizumab is a monoclonal antibody against _____

Answer: TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha)

Flashcard 5: Etanercept is used primarily for the treatment of _____ Arthritis

Answer: Rheumatoid

Flashcard 6: Gemcitabine can result in _____ with increased risk for infection

Answer: immunosuppression