Drugs used in immune disease - Bilogics

Question 1

How do JAK–| work?

Answer 1

Work by –| the JAK signalling pathway:
- Cytokine bind to receptor
- Receptor dimerisation activates JAK phosphorylation of receptor
- STAT phosphorylates receptor
- JAK phosphorylates STAT
- STAT dimer is formed
- STAT dimer travels to nucleus
- STAT dimer binds to DNA & activates gene transcription

Question 2

What is the monitoring for biologics?

Answer 2

FBC
eGFR & Albumin
LFT
Test for TB
Hepatitis screening
Chest X-ray

Question 3

What dosing should be used for biologics?

Answer 3

RA with MTX:
3mg/Kg at week 0,2,6 then every 8 weeks.

Question 4

What would you need to do if biologics were to be given via IV?

Answer 4

Should be given over 2 hrs
Pre-treatment - antihistamines, hydrocortisone &/or paracetamol

Question 5

What are the S/E of biologics?

Answer 5

Very common:
- Infection, headache, infusion related reaction pain.

Question 6

What are the contraindication for bioligics?

Answer 6

• Hypersensitivity to other murine proteins .
• Severe infection, TB
• Moderate to severe heart failure.