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The use of combinations of second line antirheumatic agents (SLAs) is increasing. There are several reasons for combination therapy, e.g. the unsatisfactory effects of single therapy. Strategies for combining SLAs are to begin with combinations, or to add one or more agents to another. The strategy of adding one agent to another is illustrated by a study of 40 patients having insufficient effect from sulphasalazine (SASP). Patients were randomized between methotrexate (MTX) and the combination of SASP and MTX. The patients were evaluated by a single observer in an open design. The follow-up was 24 weeks. The mean decrease in disease activity score was significantly greater and occurred earlier in the combination group. This favourable response was also present in the other efficacy variables. The incidence of toxicity was equal in both groups. These results support the strategy of adding MTX to SASP when combining these second line antirheumatic drugs.
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
January 1991,
Clinical and experimental rheumatology,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
April 2000,
Bangladesh Medical Research Council bulletin,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
July 1994,
British journal of rheumatology,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
August 1997,
Lancet (London, England),
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
February 1998,
Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
October 1994,
Annals of the rheumatic diseases,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
January 1996,
Scandinavian journal of rheumatology,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
June 1988,
Singapore medical journal,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
August 1984,
British journal of rheumatology,
C J Haagsma, and
P L van Riel, and
L B van de Putte
December 1983,
British medical journal (Clinical research ed.),
