Combining Medications Best Strategy To Battle RA | Arthritis Information

 

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, combining one well-known, lower cost synthetic drug with one of six biologic medications often works best to reduce joint swelling or tenderness, according to a new report funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An article based on the report will be posted on-line Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers reviewed published evidence to compare the benefits and harms of three classes of medications: synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic DMARDs, and corticosteroids. Synthetic DMARDs include hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazine; biologic DMARDs include abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab and rituximab; and corticosteroids include drugs such as prednisone.


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/89168.phpGee - no combination with Minocin?  I wonder why?

Especially since studies show Minocin is a more effective combo drug than Plaquenil. Ever seen a biologic study that didn't have a DMARD doing the heavy lifting? interesting .. and true from all corners..but i thougt it was well kown for a long
time biologics work best whith a dmrd .. dmrd of choice being mtx..
and or low dose pred..
Boney
but i thougt it was well kown for a long
time biologics work best whith a dmrd .. dmrd of choice being mtx..

Boney

That is very true and most of the studies use MTX because it is considered the "gold standard" for RA meds. Some people (me included) do so well on the combo of MTX and a biologic, that they actually end up reducing or dropping MTX altogether.

Lynn
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