Abstract

VAN DUUREN, E et al. South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the use of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2024, vol.114, n.9, pp.24-36. ISSN 2078-5135.  https://doi.org/10.7196/samj.2024.v114i9.2559.

Biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) target a specific pathway of the immune system, and are usually prescribed after failure of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. The choice of b/tsDMARD depends on the disease profile and comorbidities, patient preference, registered indications of the drugs, and risks associated with therapy. It is recommended that b/tsDMARDs for immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases are prescribed by a rheumatologist, and all patients must be included in the South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association biologic registry. Knowledge of and vigilance for adverse events, particularly infections, associated with b/ts DMARD therapies are of paramount importance.

Keywords : South Africa; biologic; targeted synthetic therapy.

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