Immunosuppressive therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Immunosuppressive drugs are used since 1951 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The most extensive used ones are azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil and methotrexate. The efficacy of these immunosuppressive drugs is clinical proven. Nevertheless it is necessary to use these drugs in severe disease only that has failed to respond to less toxic agents. The number of severe side effects is higher and the consequences of this therapy concerning cancerogenity is not clear yet. The efficacy and side effects of these drugs are discussed and guidelines for using immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are given.