Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers are highly effective in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This article provides an update on the safety profile of TNF blockers to include new data regarding exposures during pregnancy, as well as serious infections. Currently, the published literature suggests that TNF inhibitors carry low risk to the fetus. New data show that immunization of neonates with live vaccines is not advisable until after 6 months of age if their mothers were administered TNF blockers during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence that mothers receiving TNF blockers should refrain from breastfeeding. In 2011 the US Food and Drug Administration modified its warnings regarding infection, because recent evidence suggests that TNF blockers may increase the risk of both Listeria and Histoplasma fungal infections.
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