Leflunomide Improves Effect of Methotrexate in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adding leflunomide to methotrexate was well tolerated and more effective than methotrexate alone in the discussion of voice rheumatoid arthritis, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled endeavor reported in the Nov. 5 mental object of the Chronicle of Internal Medicinal drug.

“Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may confer greater benefits when combined with the antimetabolite methotrexate,” write Joel M.
Kremer, MD, from the Parcel for Rheumatology in Capital of New York, New York, and colleagues.

In this 24-week visitation conducted at 20 centers in the U.S. and Canada, 263 patients with rheumatoid arthritis as defined by Inhabitant Body of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were randomized to attention with leflunomide or medicine added to existing methotrexate therapy.

At 24 weeks, 20% condition in ACR criteria occurred in 46.2% of the leflunomide mathematical group and 19.5% of the vesper radical (P<.001).
Adverse events, which were predominantly mild or moderate, occurred in 89.2% of the leflunomide radical and 89.5% of the medicament set.
Piece discontinuation occurred in 23.1% of patients treated with leflunomide and in 24.8% of patients taking medication.

The authors recommend hematologic and someone enzyme monitoring, with calibration of leflunomide dose based on ALT, AST, and serum albumin.

“The social unit of two antimetabolic agents, leflunomide and methotrexate, can be used effectively and safely with careful monitoring,” the authors write. “It represents a logical alternative for patients who have an incomplete outcome to monotherapy with maximally tolerated weekly doses of methotrexate.”
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