November 6, 2009...4:56 pm

Do arthritis drugs cause shingles?

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Immune-suppressing arthritis drugs could increase the risk of developing shingles, a serious skin disorder, by as much as 80 percent, according to WebMD.

In a German study, Humira, Kineret and Remicade, referred to as TNF-alpha blockers, were the rheumatoid arthritis drugs shown to cause the side effect. These drugs work by controlling immune-system response.

Those on the arthritis drugs who have previously had shingles might be at an elevated risk of developing the skin condition, WebMD reports.

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