This was in the Independent supplement today.
Thought it might be of interest.
Entitled: Is it Working?
How can a DMARD (disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic drug) be evaluated in a patient with symptoms that vary from day to day and even hour to hour...........(huge chunk regarding other drugs not working cut out). I am now starting on a new drug, methotrexate. How can I possibly know if it is working? My symptoms are so variable that they can get better and worse without any treatment at all.
The Response:
The anti-arthritis drugs that are described as "disease modifyin" (such as methotrexate) are supposed to affect the natural progress of the disease. They are not painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, which mask symptoms. Most disease modifying drugs have an effect on the immune system and can prevent some of the damage that is caused by autoimmune processes. The effects of these drugs in an individual are hard to measure, but rheumatologists sometimes use standardised symptom scoring systems to decide objectively if things are getting better or worse. As you seem to be able to decided that sulfasalazine did not make any difference, you may well be able to notice if methotrexate is improving your symptoms. When these drugs are studied in large gruops of patients, they do slow down the proress of arthritis. But you are right to point out that they may not work for everyone.
Phew, me finger's are bleeding now! ;-)
not much real info but it's relevent to us P peeps so i thought I'd share..............
