Low-dose methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: effect and tolerance. An open trial and a double-blind randomized study

Abstract

Weekly low-dose Mtx may be considered the preferred drug for the treatment of patients with severe, progressive RA resistant to conventional therapy. The drug is sufficiently safe, provided contra-indications are considered and treatment is carefully supervised. Controlled long-term prospective studies are needed in order to determine whether the drug demonstrably retards progression of the erosions, and to guard against untoward long-term adverse reactions.