People on tofacitinib with low disease activity may be able to safely withdraw methotrexate

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who achieve low disease activity with tofacitinib and methotrexate can safely withdraw methotrexate without fear of worsening disease activity, scientists report in The Lancet Rheumatology.

A total of 623 adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate were given tofacitinib once a day for 24 weeks plus methotrexate.

The 533 people who achieved low disease activity were split into groups for another 24 weeks. One group were given tofacitinib plus placebo and the others continued with tofacitinib plus methotrexate for 24 weeks.

Disease activity scores of people in the group that dropped the methotrexate were found to be similar to those of people who continued with tofacitinib and methotrexate, ie withdrawing methotrexate did not increase disease activity.

Although there were no new safety findings, 41% of people in both groups had adverse events and two people died in the tofacitinib plus methotrexate group. The scientists conclude:

“Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who achieve low disease activity with a combination of tofacitinib plus methotrexate may consider withdrawing methotrexate without significant worsening of disease activity or unexpected safety issues.”

Click here to read the original research.

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