In phase 3 clinical trial, upadacitnib proved superior to placebo and adalimumab in improving the signs and symptoms of RA in patients on stable background methotrexate.... [Read More]
In this large placebo-controlled trial, Sparks et al. examined the predictors and severity of pulmonary adverse events (AEs) in patients taking low-dose MTX. The researchers found that low-dose MTX increased the risk of pulmonary AEs, including possible pneumonitis.... [Read More]
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—In many ways, the current plethora of treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis patients represents an embarrassment of riches. However, while many therapeutics approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are available, knowing the order in which to try these medications with patients can be quite challenging. In The Great Debate, held… [Read More]
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Low-dose methotrexate can be associated with gastrointestinal, pulmonary, infectious, hematologic and other adverse effects, according to an analysis of the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction Trial (CIRT). “Methotrexate is not a benign drug, even at dosages used for rheumatic diseases,” Daniel H. Solomon, MD, MPH of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, tells Reuters Health… [Read More]
Patients with uncontrolled gout may benefit from a combination of pegloticase and methotrexate therapy, according to a small, retrospective study…... [Read More]
Methotrexate (MTX) remains the predominant medication used by rheumatologists to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Doses of 7.5–25 mg per week with daily folic acid are generally prescribed. Despite its common use, MTX must be prescribed cautiously given the potential adverse effects when taken incorrectly or without folic acid supplementation. Cases of MTX-induced cutaneous ulceration have… [Read More]
RA patients who achieve low disease activity on tofacitinib and methotrexate combination therapy can safely cease methotrexate use, according to recent research…... [Read More]
A post-hoc analysis showed upadacitinib is safe and effective for treating RA patients when used with methotrexate or non-methotrexate csDMARDs…... [Read More]
In a 24-month clinical trial, tofacitinib proved safe and effective in combination with methotrexate in adult patients with RA…... [Read More]
CHICAGO—Once methotrexate enters a cell through the reduced folate carrier (RFC), which thinks it is picking up folate, the drug is polyglutamated. It is this polyglutamate methotrexate that provides the actual clinical effect. These methotrexate polyglutamate “species” are added and lost over time, but it’s a slow process. What difference does it make whether a… [Read More]