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- Title
The safety, efficacy, and quality of life of methotrexate with hydroxychloroquine as a combination versus methotrexate as monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative single-blinded prospective study.
- Authors
Krishnamurthi, Joyita; Praveen, D.; Chowdary, P. Ranadheer; Aanandhi, M. Vijey
- Abstract
Objective: The objective of this investigation was to study and ascertain the effect of adjunct therapy in naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by disease active index, quality of life (QoL), and hematological changes pre- and post-treatment. Materials and Methods: A comparative prospective study was carried out where the patients were divided into two groups, namely, combination and monotherapy groups of 30 patients each. The combination group was administered 2.5 mg and tab. hydroxychloroquine 200 mg, whereas the monotherapy was administered with tab. methotrexate (MTX) 5 mg. The hematological changes and QoL were noted during the commencement of the study and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: The drug works together and produces synergic effect, thereby increasing the disease activity index and decreasing the disease activity score. There was statistically significant difference in the values of biomarkers in the naïve patients before and after the treatment with the combination group and monotherapy group. Conclusion: The study has significantly proved that even though MTX is the preferred drug of choice in RA, the efficacy and end results are better when given in combination with the hydroxychloroquine (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) making it safer and more potent.
- Publication
Drug Invention Today, 2019, Vol 12, Issue 11, p2690
- ISSN
0975-7619
- Publication type
Article