Four RA drugs get stronger warning labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered stronger warning labels for four drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses because they can raise the risk of potentially fatal fungal infections. The drugs--Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and Cimzia--suppress the immune system to keep it from attacking the body. But the drugs also lower the body's defenses to various kinds of infections, including a fungal infection called histoplasmosis that mimics the flu and can be fatal. The FDA's order means that the drugs will now carry a "black box" warning for histoplasmosis. The label also will alert patients to call their doctors if they develop persistent fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue, which can be signs of the fungal infection.  Read full story >