Workplace impacts of anti-TNF therapies in rheumatoid arthritis: review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes pain and serious functional impacts and substantially affects patients' daily lives, including their ability to work. OBJECTIVE: This review examines recent studies of patients with RA treated with TNF antagonists and the impacts these therapies have on the workplace. METHODS: A total of 133 articles and 14 poster abstracts were reviewed that matched specific criteria. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The results of early studies of TNF antagonists varied regarding their effects on patients with RA in the workplace. However, recent studies of adalimumab showed positive impacts across a range of workplace burdens. Treatments such as adalimumab may help employees with RA to remain in the workforce and lead to reduced workplace costs to the employers and employees.