Biologic Plus MTX Limits Joint Damage in RA | Arthritis Information
ATLANTA -- Disease progression is less likely in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who haven't responded to methotrexate alone if this disease-modifying drug is continued when treatment with the biologic drug etanercept (Enbrel) is initiated, according to research presented here.
Significant differences in joint erosion scores were seen after two years of combined etanercept plus methotrexate compared with etanercept alone (−0.5 versus 3.1, P=0.045), reported Hideto Kameda, MD, of Keio University in Tokyo, and colleagues at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
"A fundamental question in clinical practice has been whether to continue methotrexate when starting a biologic drug, when methotrexate was initially ineffective," Kameda told MedPage Today during a poster presentation.
Previous studies have shown that signs and symptoms of RA improve to a greater extent if methotrexate is continued when biologic treatment is begun.
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I always wonder with these things who funded the research. I am such a suspicious old thing. A drug company?
Suspicious old hen
Which is not to say Lynne, that I didn't appreciate your post or posts on research! I think its wonderful you're keeping up to date!
:)
Hen
Thanks Lynn!!
Hen..
I can say that I am a success story who used MTX and continued it when I started enbrel
I have been on the virtual edge of remission for over a year now.. no joint issues while medicated.. with slight inflammation here and there.. I did have a flare in October of my left knee but it was injured when I pushed my desk chair on rug.. *Note: do not do that without situating your feet properly* You would think I would know better having done the same thing before!! *duh*
This is encouraging to me. Thanks Babs for your input. I just started Enbrel yesterday and I'll continue MTX. Looking forward to some relief. Nothing yet though.Oh it is encouraging for sure! Due to the way insurance works around here I have to be on just mtx and plaquenil for six months before i can apply for a biologic. Anyone know why on earth these drugs cost so much?
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