Adherence to Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Triple Therapy vs. Methotrexate/Etanercept

Triple therapy appears to be more durable than previously thought.

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who respond inadequately to initial treatment with methotrexate monotherapy, options include adding hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine (i.e., triple therapy) or a biologic (e.g., etanercept [Enbrel]). Although studies have shown similar outcomes with both strategies (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2013 and N Engl J Med 2013; 369:307), some evidence indicates that adherence is lower with triple therapy (NEJM JW Gen Med May 1 2017 and Arthritis Care Res [Hoboken] 2017; 69:313). In this study of 289 RA patients who had completed a 48-week double-blind trial of triple therapy versus methotrexate/etanercept, researchers assessed the durability of adherence to therapy during an additional open-label follow-up…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

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Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Adherence to Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Triple Therapy vs. Methotrexate/Etanercept

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Reviewing Author