Biologics and older people with rheumatoid arthritis: special care is needed

People with rheumatoid arthritis who are older than 65 years may need special care to manage safety issues when they are treated with biologics, says research in the Journal of Rheumatology.

A team looked at the relationship between age and the performance of biologics in 309 participants: 174 people were under 65 years; 86 people were 65–74 years; and 49 people were 75 years or older.

Results

The number of negative events that resulted in treatment withdrawal was significantly higher in the two older groups than the younger group. But there was no difference in the rate of adverse events between the two older groups, so perhaps the risk of bad reactions to biologics does not continue to increase past a certain age. People with lung complications were at a higher risk of these adverse events occurring.

Implications

Biologic therapies have been heralded as a broadly beneficial new treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis, so it’s important to note that special care must be taken where older people are involved.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.