About AS
Ankylosing Spondylitis Defined
Spondylitis (spon-dill-EYE-tiss):
An inflammation of the vertebrae.
Ankylosing (ank-kih-low-sing):
Fusing of the joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis facts
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis. It primarily affects the joints of the spine, although other joints may be involved as well. According to the Spondylitis Association of America, there are at least half a million people with ankylosing spondylitis in the U.S. AS causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and — in advanced cases — can cause disability and deformity, including a permanent fusing of the spine in a stooped-forward position.
While the severity of ankylosing spondylitis can vary widely from one patient to another, almost all patients will experience episodes of acute pain — known as "flares" — followed by periods when the symptoms temporarily subside.
HUMIRA is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in adults.
Serious infections have happened in patients taking HUMIRA. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections.
HUMIRA may increase the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers.
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure, certain immune reactions (including a lupus-like syndrome), and new or worsening psoriasis.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA and discuss it with your doctor.
How do you know it's ankylosing spondylitis?
The telltale feature of ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints at the base of the spine. SI involvement is difficult to detect with x-rays until the disease is quite advanced, which accounts for much of the difficulty in diagnosis. Recent studies, however, have shown that the use of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) holds promise for diagnosing AS in its early stages.
Click here for Uses and Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA, and discuss it with your doctor.