Question: What Are Cytotoxic Drugs?
What are cytotoxic drugs? Which arthritis drugs are considered cytotoxic?
- How are cytotoxic drugs used to treat arthritis?
- Are cytotoxic drugs only used for certain types of arthritis?
- What side effects associated with cytotoxic drugs are common and which are serious?
Answer:
Cytotoxic Medications
Cytotoxic medications typically used to treat rheumatic diseases include:
- azathioprine (Imuran)
- cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex or Trexall)
These drugs were labeled "cytotoxic" because they treat malignancies by directly killing tumor cells. Their ability to help the signs and symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis may, however, be due to their anti-inflammatory effects as opposed to their ability to kill cells. In fact, the low dosage of methotrexate used to treat these conditions is actually anti-inflammatory and not cytotoxic.
Weighing Benefits and Risks of Cytotoxic Drugs
Cytoxan
Of these three drugs, Cytoxan has the most potential side effects and is typically limited to treating moderate to severe cases of lupus, vasculitis, or lung disease that are sometimes associated with rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, and scleroderma.
The major concern with Cytoxan is the risk of bone marrow depression that may increase the risk of infection or bleeding. In addition, there is a small but definite increased risk of cancer involving the skin and bladder. Some patients may develop a very painful condition of the bladder called interstitial cystitis. If the drug is given orally, frequent water intake and urination may help prevent this problem. Cytoxan is often given by monthly intravenous infusions which may also help.
The drug is teratogenic (may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy) and should be avoided in women who are not using effective birth control or may be pregnant. Finally, there may be an increased risk for serious infection with Cytoxan use.
Imuran
Imuran is FDA-approved for rheumatoid arthritis and is used to treat lupus and other connective tissue diseases. It, too, is associated with a risk of bone marrow depression and may slightly increase risk of some cancers. There is an increased risk of serious infection when taking this drug.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is FDA-approved for rheumatoid arthritis and may also be helpful for other connective tissue diseases such as lupus, myositis, and vasculitis.
While methotrexate can have the same potential side effects as the other two drugs, it appears to have a better safety profile. Similar to Cytoxan, it is teratogenic and should not be used by women and their partners if they are not using effective birth control or there is a chance of pregnancy. In addition, the drug is associated with a small risk of lung disease (intersitial pneumonitis) that can be life-threatening if a patient doesn't stop the drug and get treated. Typically, symptoms of this problem include shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever. Like the other two medications, there may be an increased risk of serious infection.
Answers provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle of TNF Blockers. The book is useful for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book and also visit Dr. Zashin's website.
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