Combination Therapy with Multiple Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Preventive Strategy

Article Abstract:

Doctors are recommending disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs sooner than they did in the past. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are drugs that actually treat the underlying arthritis rather than simply treating the pain. Traditionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used to control pain and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were not used until joints became damaged. However, most patients experienced progressive disease. Now, doctors prescribe disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs before joints become damaged. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs include methotrexate plus cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, etanercept, and infliximab.

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Combination DMARD therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a step closer to the goal

Article Abstract:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to respond favorably to combinations of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, questions still remain about the most appropriate use of these drugs. A study has shown that 77% of patients treated with DMARD combinations that included methotrexate improved by 50% over a two year period. It is still unclear whether doctors should initially treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis aggressively or add drugs sequentially. Treatment goals should, however, include achieving symptom-free periods.

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Early referral, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for changing medical practice

Article Abstract:

The authors examined changes over the years between 1980 and 1997 in time of delay between diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and start of use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In 1990 and since, the delays dropped in length and the amount of erosion incurred before medication was lessened.

Statistical Data Included

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