January 2023 in “National journal of physiology, pharmacy and pharmacology” This study of South Indian patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases using low-dose methotrexate reported that while mild adverse effects such as hair loss and nausea were common, serious events like cytopenia were less frequent, and folic acid supplementation significantly reduced their prevalence.
37 citations
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September 2017 in “Reumatología Clínica” In this systematic review and meta-analysis, methotrexate and leflunomide were compared for treating rheumatoid arthritis, showing similar efficacy overall. Methotrexate reduced swollen joints more effectively, while leflunomide was associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects but more frequent liver enzyme increases.
1 citations
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April 2019 in “Reumatología Clínica (English Edition)” In this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that methotrexate and leflunomide have similar efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis as first-line treatments, but methotrexate offered a greater reduction in swollen joints, while leflunomide was more associated with liver enzyme increases and fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
3 citations
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December 2015 in “Musculoskeletal care” This study found that many patients taking methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis tolerate significant side effects, but adherence to the medication still varies among individuals.
January 2018 in “Practical diabetes” In this study, leflunomide was effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, showing comparable efficacy to methotrexate and greater response rates than sulfasalazine, but has significant side effects that require monitoring.