'Additional Drug May Alleviate Arthritis Pain When Usual Drug Doesn't Work'

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Additional Drug May Alleviate Arthritis Pain When Usual Drug Doesn't Work

November 5, 2002 (American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine) -- In a study of 263 arthritis patients taking methotrexate, a standard anti-arthritis drug, a group randomly assigned to receive an additional anti-arthritis drug, leflunomide, had fewer joint symptoms, less intense pain, and functioned better than those who took methotrexate and a placebo or dummy pill.

About 90 percent of both groups reported some side effects, but diarrhea and abnormal liver tests were more common with combined therapy than with methotrexate alone.

The authors caution that patients should receive careful monitoring for drug-related liver damage. Nonetheless, combination therapy with leflunomide and methotrexate is a logical alternative for patients who do not respond fully to methotrexate alone, they say.

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537