Study: Twice-Weekly Methotrexate No Better for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers in India report that twice-weekly methotrexate is no more helpful than the once-weekly regimen for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The 16-week, double-blind, controlled pilot study included 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who were treated once-weekly or twice-weekly with methotrexate -- the most commonly-used disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drug.

Results of the study, appearing in Rheumatology International, found at week eight that there were no significant differences in the number of patients achieving a 20 or 50 percent improvement.

"Even at 16 weeks, there was no significant difference (in) responses," the researchers said.

"Our study suggests that MTX twice weekly has no advantage over once weekly regarding efficacy, and thus the currently-used once weekly regimen is good enough (until) alternate dosing schedules are evaluated in a large multicentric trial," the researchers said.

Other sources: Rheumatology International