combination DMARD therapy

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • introducing and withdrawing DMARDs (1)

    • if newly diagnosed active rheumatoid arthirtis (RA)
      • offer a combination of DMARDs (including methotrexate and at least one other DMARD, plus short-term glucocorticoids) as first-line treatment as soon as possible, ideally within 3 months of the onset of persistent symptoms
    • if newly diagnosed RA for whom combination DMARD therapy is not appropriate
      • start DMARD monotherapy, placing greater emphasis on fast escalation to a clinically effective dose rather than on the choice of DMARD

Accepted combinations of DMARDS include:

  • methotrexate with any of the following:
    • cyclosporin A
    • infliximab
    • etanercept
    • leflunomide
    • sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine

  • sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone

Reference:

Related pages:

DMARD regimens

rheumatoid arthritis