At the ACR’s recent State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium held in Chicago in May, Kristin Highland, MD, a critical care/pulmonologist and rheumatologist, reported on antirheumatic agents and their pulmonary toxicity, using data from Pneumotox Online, a website and mobile application used to assist in the diagnosis of drug-induced respiratory disease.1,2
Of note, Dr. Highland singled out methotrexate (MTX) as an agent known for causing pulmonary toxicity. Potential risk factors for developing MTX-induced pulmonary toxicity include existing lung disease, diabetes, age, renal disease and prior use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Common presentations of this toxicity include dyspnea, non-productive cough and fever. MTX-induced pulmonary toxicity usually occurs within one year of beginning treatment. Chest radiographs show diffuse interstitial infiltrates and patchy infiltrates. A restrictive ventilatory defect is also usually seen.3
Meta-analyses have not shown an increased risk of other pulmonary events or death due to MTX. MTX rhinitis may develop in treated patients and may progress to respiratory failure. MTX should be stopped, and patients appropriately managed.
News Release
In other news, 35 mg delayed-release risedronate sodium tablets (Atelvia) are now available to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis.4 Tablets for weekly administration are available in a package of four.
Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, CGP, RPh, is a freelance medical writer based in New York City and a pharmacist at New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.
References
- Camus P, Faucher P. Pneumotox online: Drug-induced pulmonary disease database, v. 2. 2012.
- Highland K. Session IV, Presentation No. #3. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium. May 2–3, 2015. Chicago.
- Pulawski S. Certain therapies linked to pulmonary toxicity among patients with rheumatic diseases. Healio. 20 May 2015.
- Han DH. Teva launches generic Atelvia. MPR. 19 May 2015.
