Etanercept seems to be the TNF inhibitor of choice over time for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a large Swedish study lasting five years people were less likely to switch from etanercept than from infliximab or adalimumab. This doesn’t mean that etanercept is more effective, it just means that some patients find it works […]
Category: Drug treatment
Abatacept slows development of early-stage RA
Abatacept and methotrexate may work better at slowing the development of early-stage rheumatoid arthritis than methotrexate alone. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that causes inflamed (swollen) joints. The inflammation may eventually damage the cartilage and bone. Many doctors believe that there is a narrow ’window of opportunity’ to stop the progress of the disease when it […]
No change of treatment for giant cell arteritis
Adding a newer drug to standard corticosteroid treatment of giant cell arteritis does not help to reduce the dose of corticosteroids needed. INTRODUCTION Giant cell arteritis is a condition where the large blood vessels of the head and neck become inflamed. It can cause soreness around the temples, pain in the jaw while eating, and (if untreated) […]
Newly updated advice on using DMARDs for RA
INTRODUCTION Shared decision-making between patients and doctors is a central focus of newly updated recommendations on treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The updated recommendations, produced by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), also take into account recent research on the benefits and safety of these widely used drugs. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? When […]
Benefits of anti-TNF for psoriatic arthritis prompts early treatment questions
Medicines called anti-TNF drugs can help stop the joint damage caused by psoriatic arthritis from getting worse, according to new research. Doctors think that if people take these medicines soon enough after they are told they have psoriatic arthritis, it could help prevent damage to joints. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? Psoriatic arthritis is a […]
New treatment targets for ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis
INTRODUCTION A treatment approach based on clear targets for individual patients has helped relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for many people with rheumatoid arthritis. Now a report explains how the same approach could help people with other rheumatic conditions. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? Using clear treatment targets can help doctors and patients […]
Why anti-TNF treatments don’t work the same for everyone
INTRODUCTION Some people who take treatments called anti-TNF drugs for illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and spondyloarthritides may get less benefit than other people who take the same treatments, because their immune systems stop the drugs working properly. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? Anti-TNF drugs are used to reduce inflammation (for example joint swelling). […]
Promising early results for new rheumatoid arthritis treatment
INTRODUCTION An early trial of a new drug called mavrilimumab suggests that it may become a useful new treatment for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? Despite big steps forward in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in recent years, there are still many people who don’t benefit much from the available […]
Potential treatment for lupus nephritis without oral steroids
INTRODUCTION A small study of a new combination treatment for lupus nephritis that doesn’t include oral steroids has shown encouraging results. If larger studies show similar results, the new combination treatment could help people with this condition avoid the side effects of long-term treatment with high doses of oral steroids. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? Lupus nephritis […]
Do better treatments mean fewer appointments for rheumatoid arthritis?
INTRODUCTION Twenty-first-century treatments may be behind a drop in hospital and doctor visits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study in Sweden. WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY? In the first part of this century, a number of medicines have made a big difference to people living with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, […]
