- Discussion: - prevents conversion of purine bases by suppressing synthesis of guanine and adenosine; -
RA Doses: 1-2.5 mg/kg/day; - onset of action is usually 12 to 24 weeks; - discontinuation of the drug is marked by a return in disease activity;
- Toxicity: - most common toxicity is gastrointestinal including nausea, anorexia, and, rarely, vomiting and pancreatitis; - hematologic toxicity including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia, may occur and is generally dose dependent. -----------------------------------------------
Influence of methotrexate and azathioprine on radiologic progression in rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, double-blind study [see comments.
