DMARDs for Arthritis Q & A

Is it recommended to still have a ppd skin test while on these meds? I know that they can cause a false neg, but are there any reactions or problems with the meds that I am taking?

I am a 35 year old woman & I take a 40 ml Humira Injection 2x a month. My husband and I are ready to start our family. I am scheduled to have a pre-conception consultation with my OB, but have been referred to a perinatologist. I see there is very little information on Humira & Pregnancy. I did note that Humira falls into the FDA’s Pregnancy category B. Can you give me an idea of what risks Humira poses during conception and pregnancy? Are their any clincial trials I might be able to participate in?

Currently i am on celebrex twice a day, methotrexate 15mg and prednisone 10mg a week. I recently stopped naproxen due gastritis. I was wondering, how high is the % of major problems with the other pills i am currently taking listed above for heart, liver and lung problems? Since i already have trouble with my stomach I want to see how many out of 100 tend to have major problems.

Does any biological medications use for RA effect someone who has high blood pressure?

My husband has RA. He was diagnosed in 1989. Initially he was on Placquinel. When that quit working the doctor put him on Methotrexate. I has been working real well. I would say he has been on the drug for almost 8 years. He is now experiencing shortness of breath. He takes 10mg once a week, or 4 2.5mg on Saturday. Could the Methotrexate be the cause of his shortness of breath? Otherwise he looks to be in good health. He does have Chronic Lymphacytic Leukemia which is stable at this time. Thanks for your help.

At present lot of work is being carried out on small molecule inhibitors of tnf alpha converting enzyme (TACE). As we all know, TACE is the enzyme which convert pro-TNF to soluble TNF. There are conflicting reports in the literature suggesting role of membrane bound TNF in tha pathogenesis of arthritis. Is there any clinical report suggesting role of membrane bound tnf in arthritis ?? Also I would like to know the clinical efficacy of TACE inhibitors as a target.