TNFi

Medical abbreviation · Drug Class

TNFi
Stands forTumor necrosis factor inhibitor
CategoriesMedical

TNFi stands for Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, a drug class abbreviation.

Biologic drugs that block the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha: infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab pegol and golimumab. They treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and uveitis.

Example: Before TNFi: QuantiFERON negative, hepatitis B surface antigen negative.

Usage notes

Infliximab, approved in 1998, was the first. Adalimumab (Humira) was for years the world's top-selling drug, and US biosimilars arrived in 2023. Boxed warnings cover serious infections, including reactivated tuberculosis, and lymphoma, so latent TB and hepatitis B are screened before starting. Also written anti-TNF.

More drug class abbreviations

  • 3GC – Third-generation cephalosporin
  • 5-ARI – 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
  • 5-HT3 RA – 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
  • AAD – Antiarrhythmic drug
  • ACEI – Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
  • AChEI – Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
  • ACT – Artemisinin-based combination therapy
  • ADC – Antibody-drug conjugate
  • AED – Antiepileptic drug
  • AG – Aminoglycoside
  • AGI – Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
  • AI – Aromatase inhibitor

See all 113 drug class abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.