Three rheumatoid arthritis medications, known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers (TNF blockers), are equally effective in treating the disease. The findings are based on an analysis of several previous studies and were reported April 17, 2008 in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. The TNF blockers -- Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira -- were approved by the FDA between 1998 and 2003. The analysis included 13 trials that lasted at least 6 months, involving a total of 7,087 patients. Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking TNF blockers were compared to patients taking methotrexate or placebo.

• The Facts of Enbrel
• The Facts of Humira
• The Facts of Remicade
• The Facts of Methotrexate

TNF blockers were found to be comparable in controlling the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. TNF blockers were found to be most effective when added to the treatment regimen of patients who had a poor response to methotrexate -- but TNF blockers offered little additional benefit for patients who were responding well to methotrexate -- and they were more likely to cause side effects. Enbrel and Humira showed effects similar to methotrexate. When compared to controls (methotrexate or placebo):

• Patients receiving Remicade were more likely to drop out of clinical trials because of side effects and were more likely to suffer severe side effects, infections, and infusion reactions.
• Patients receiving Humira were also more likely to drop out because of side effects and were more likely to suffer injection site reactions.
• Patients receiving Enbrel were less likely to drop out because of side effects but more likely to experience injection site reactions.

In conclusion, researchers advised against starting treatment with TNF blockers until there is evidence that methotrexate is an inadequate treatment for an individual patient.

More Related Resources:

• Test Your Knowledge: TNF Blockers
• TNF Blockers: How Are They Similar and Different?
• Should Patients Fear Side Effects of TNF Blockers?
• When Is It Appropriate to Switch Your TNF Blocker?
• Is Early, Aggressive Treatment Recommended for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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