Tolerability and Adherence Problems in Patients on a Stable Dose of Methotrexate: Results of a Multicenter Survey

The study surveyed patients on a stable dose of methotrexate for inflammatory arthritis to assess side effects and adherence. Conducted across seven centers, the survey found that 57%-86% of patients experienced side effects, with fatigue (53%), nausea (38%), mouth ulcers (23%), and hair loss (23%) being the most common. Efficacy was rated at 6.5 cm on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS), while toxicity scores varied, with fatigue at 5.9 cm and hair loss at 3.9 cm. Adherence issues were notable, with 13.5% of patients forgetting to take the drug for an average of two weeks, and 25% for 2.5 weeks in the previous year. The study concluded that despite significant side effects, patients continued methotrexate therapy, highlighting the need for further research on adherence.