What has NICE said?
In adults, if treatment with non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) hasn't worked or isn't suitable, then treatment with one of the following TNF-alpha inhibitors is recommended:
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for severe ankylosing spondylitis: adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), golimumab (Simponi) and infliximab (Remicade/Inflectra/Remsima)
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for severe non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) and etanercept (Enbrel).
Treatment should be assessed after 12 weeks and should only continue if there is clear evidence that it is working. If the first TNF‑alpha inhibitor hasn't worked or isn't suitable, people should be able to start treatment with another TNF‑alpha inhibitor.
What does this mean for me?
If you have severe ankylosing spondylitis or non‑radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and your doctor thinks that one or more of these drugs are right for you, then you should be able to have the treatment on the NHS.
These treatments should be available on the NHS within 3 months of the guidance being issued.
If you are already taking a TNF‑alpha inhibitor, but are not eligible for treatment as described above, you should be able to continue taking it until you and your doctor decide it is the right time to stop.