Bol Inf Farmacoter Navar. 2022;30 (2):1-15
https://doi.org/10.54095/BITN20223002EN

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases present a higher risk of developing infections compared with the general population, partly due to immunosuppressive therapy. The infection risk associated with these treatments depends on the mechanism of action. There is no evidence for an increased risk of serious infections associated with apremilast use. Therefore, prior to initiating therapy with apremilast, no type of test other than clinical monitoring of the disease needs to be performed. Treatment with JAK inhibitors has been associated with an increase in infection risk, including reactivation of tuberculosis, herpes zoster and hepatitis B, among other infections. The vaccination status must be evaluated, a screening for infection with hepatitis B or latent tuberculosis performed, and an active systemic or local infection ruled out before starting treatment with JAK inhibitors. The inactivated vaccines recommended for patients being treated with JAK inhibitors are pneumococcus, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster and SARS-CoV-2. Attenuated live vaccines are contraindicated in these patients. Insufficient data are available to demonstrate that apremilast or JAK inhibitors increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications. It is important that both healthcare professionals and patients are aware of the infection-prevention measures and recognise the signs and symptoms of infection before and during treatment with these drugs.

Authors:

PATRICIA GARCIA (1)
AMAYA ARRONDO (2)
MARIA DE MIGUEL (2)


(1) Medicines Advice and Information Service
(2) Pharmacy Service of University Hospital of Navarre
Navarre Health Service

Table 2