Some Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Increase the Risk of Getting Shingles

Medications, known as biologics, that target specific parts of the immune system can be very effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Because these medications do affect the immune system, people taking them are at a higher risk of developing infections. In the past researchers have come up with conflicting data about which viral infections might be triggered by biologics.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that Remicade and Humira, but not Enbrel, increased a person's risk for developing shingles. Shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus that can be very painful and cause serious pain after the rash has resolved.

There is a vaccine for shingles that reduces the severity and complications of the rash, and it's recommended for people who are 60 or over and others who are considering taking immune-suppressing medications. This would be especially important for people who are contemplating starting Remicaide or Humira for rheumatoid arthritis.