Slow-Acting Antirheumatic Drugs Drug Interactions of Clinical Significance

Abstract

The slow-acting antirheumatic drugs (SAARDs) are being used in an increasing proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The potential toxicity of each drug is well recognised. Many patients with RA will be on other medications and the potential for adverse drug interactions with SAARDs is not so well publicised. There have, over the years, been numerous reports of possible drug interactions with SAARDs but few of these are clinically relevant. It is, however, vitally important that the physician is aware of a number of potentially life-threatening interactions, particularly those associated with methotrexate. The SAARDs are a very useful group of drugs for the treatment of RA and, by being aware of their potential toxicity and drug interactions, hopefully they can be used safely and effectively.

An evidence-based assessment of the clinical significance of drug-drug interactions between disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and non-antirheumatic drugs according to rheumatologists and pharmacists

“…Although information on potential DDIs is available from reviews, [3][4][5][6] product leaflets, textbooks, 7,8 and the medical literature, several barriers impede recognition of the clinical importance of a DDI. The evidence for most DDIs is based on case reports or poorly documented clinical information.…”

Pharmacokinetics-Based Chronoefficacy of Semen Strychni and Tripterygium Glycoside Tablet Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Moreover, angiogenesis is important for leukocyte extravasation and thus for pathogenesis of RA ( Szekanecz et al, 1998 ). Therapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, and celecoxib) ( Alaaeldin et al, 2021 ), slow-acting anti-rheumatism drugs (e.g., penicillamine and hydroxychloroquine) ( Munro and Sturrock., 1995 ), and adrenocorticosteroids (e.g., cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednsion) ( Boutet et al, 2021 ). However, most of them display long-term adverse effects and toxicity ( Munro and Sturrock., 1995 ; Alaaeldin et al, 2021 ; Boutet et al, 2021 ).…”