Well said, Roger.
Add to that the fact that this rate of mortality reportedly was anticipated by the trials, was consistent with mortality rates caused by serious infection in the RA population at large (i.e. patients not taking Enbrel) and that no causal relationship with Enbrel has been established or expected to be established. IMNX and the FDA are being cautious, which is as it should be. But the sky is not falling. Immoderate and inaccurate posts like #330 do a serious disservice to everyone.
We all know that medicine is not perfect. Noone would choose to take a long-term course of medication if there weren't compelling reasons to. RA is a compelling reason. Enbrel restores functionality for those people, and helps them to lead "normal" lives. Ask the tens of thousands of RA sufferers if they think its worth it.
Its too easy to jump up on a soapbox to rant about drugs -- esp those which treat other people's medical conditions. I have a family member with MS, so I am somewhat familiar with the issue. The MS drugs currently available leave a lot to be desired, but given the alternative, we are grateful for what options are available, and for the benefits that they provide.
Unless there is new information that hasn't been reported yet, I don't think the warning on Enbrel will seriously affect its use by the RA community. |
