Injecting TNF prohibitors

Author: Sarah Mooallem

Date Last Edited: Jan 1, 2023 1:33pm

Medical injection needle, Pixababy Dec. 19, 2023

What are TNF inhibiter biologic injections, and what do they do?

Tumour necrosis factor, better known as TNF inhibitors is a biological medicine used to help control inflammation. These biologics are often used to treat autoimmune diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. "Once they're put into your blood, they cause a reaction in your immune system that blocks inflammation"(WebMD, Dec. 6, 2022.)

How do TNF suppressors help hidradenitis suppurativa ?

People who suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa have a higher level of TNF-Alpha in the body which causes the often uncontrollable inflammation during flare ups. For HS patients our levels of TNF are typically much higher then then should be which is why we flare the way we do. TNF prohibiters are used to suppress that over the top inflammation.

Do TNF prohibitors compromise your immune system?

People who suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa have a higher level of TNF-Alpha in the body which causes often uncontrollable inflammation during flare-ups. For HS patients our levels of TNF are typically much higher than they should be which is why we flare the way we do. TNF prohibiters are used to suppress that over-the-top inflammation.

My experience with TNF biologic injections

I have been on a TNF prohibitor called Hadlima for close to three years now. When I first sat down with my dermatologist I was opposed to resorting to injections and it took me years to accept. I was hoping for a more natural and less daunting way to deal with my HS. After years passed by and my HS progressively got worse, I realized that HS is a highly aggressive skin disease. I came to the unfortunate realization that natural remedies simply won't be enough to see progress and I would have to fight fire with fire and consider a more aggressive treatment in hopes of a reduction of flare-ups. Unfortunately, the TNF prohibitor I have been on hasn't been all that effective and I have recently been considering taking part in a drug trial in hopes of finding a medicine with a higher effective rate percentile called izokibep. It is common for TNF prohibiters to either help HS patients or not be effective, and it boils down to what medicine combos work for each individual.

My Hope

I hope that if you or a loved one is considering TNF prohibiters to help combat HS you are matched with an effective medicine that works well with you. I also hope that with the new wave of research being poured into hidradenitis suppurativa through drug trials new TNF prohibitions with higher success rates get FDA approved to create public access.