What is it about?
Stable patients with RA on tocilizumab and methotrexate were able to discontinue the latter drug without experiencing a predetermined definition of worsening of their arthritis.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Taking fewer medications is always preferable. In addition, both tocilizumab and methotrexate can elevate transaminase values. Stopping methotrexate can eliminate one source of this phenomenon and allow patients to continue tocilizumab with fewer worries about the liver. It also makes things simpler for patients; always a good thing.
Perspectives
The demonstration that methotrexate can indeed be discontinued was not at all a "given" at the time that the study was designed. I was gratified to be able to participate in a trial that can improve patient welfare.
Joel Kremer
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sustained Response Following Discontinuation of Methotrexate in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Subcutaneous Tocilizumab, Arthritis & Rheumatology, June 2018, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/art.40493.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
