Interleukin inhibitors are medications that target specific interleukin proteins, which are involved in the immune system’s inflammatory response. These medications work by blocking the action of the interleukin proteins, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
What are the examples of interleukin inhibitors?
Some examples of interleukin inhibitors include:
- IL-1 inhibitors, such as anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept, which are used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.
- IL-6 inhibitors, such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, which are used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and cytokine release syndrome.
- IL-12/23 inhibitors, such as ustekinumab, which is used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- IL-17 inhibitors, such as secukinumab and ixekizumab, which are used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- IL-23 inhibitors, such as guselkumab and tildrakizumab, which are used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Interleukin inhibitors can have side effects, including an increased risk of infection and allergic reactions. As with any medication, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
There are several drugs that are interleukin inhibitors. Here are some examples:
- IL-1 inhibitors: anakinra, canakinumab, rilonacept
- IL-6 inhibitors: tocilizumab, sarilumab
- IL-12/23 inhibitors: ustekinumab
- IL-17 inhibitors: secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab
- IL-23 inhibitors: guselkumab, tildrakizumab
It’s important to note that these medications may be used to treat different conditions, and the specific interleukin inhibitor used may vary depending on the patient’s needs and medical history. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
What are IL-6 inhibitor drugs for RA?
IL-6 inhibitor drugs are a type of biologic medication that target the interleukin-6 protein, which is involved in the immune system’s inflammatory response. These drugs can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
There are two IL-6 inhibitor drugs that are approved for the treatment of RA:
- Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra): This medication can be given as an injection or infusion and is approved for use in adults with moderate to severe RA who have not responded to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Sarilumab (brand name Kevzara): This medication is also given as an injection or infusion and is approved for use in adults with moderate to severe RA who have not responded to other DMARDs.
Both tocilizumab and sarilumab work by blocking the action of interleukin-6, which helps to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in RA. However, these medications may increase the risk of serious infections, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
