Arthritis Drugs and New Meds: 2004 Perspectives (cont.). In a study of 799 patients, researchers from a number of centers reported that Humira combined with methotrexate was extremely effective, and more effective than either drug alone, in treating very early rheumatoid arthritis. We are finding that if we can turn off rheumatoid arthritis quickly and early we have a better chance of ultimately stopping the disease. Moreover, it seems that if we hit rheumatoid arthritis hard (such as with the combination of drugs as above), we significantly increase the chances of stopping the disease. Humira was reported as effective in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had already failed to improve with other biologic medications, such as Enbrel, Remicade, and Kineret Dr

Arthritis Drugs and New Meds: 2004 Perspectives (cont.). In a study of 799 patients, researchers from a number of centers reported that Humira combined with methotrexate was extremely effective, and more effective than either drug alone, in treating very early rheumatoid arthritis. We are finding that if we can turn off rheumatoid arthritis quickly and early we have a better chance of ultimately stopping the disease. Moreover, it seems that if we hit rheumatoid arthritis hard (such as with the combination of drugs as above), we significantly increase the chances of stopping the disease.

Humira was reported as effective in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had already failed to improve with other biologic medications, such as Enbrel, Remicade, and Kineret Dr. Shiel's Perspective: These reports are welcome news for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The drug is clearly effective for the inflammation of arthritis Gout Treatments . Several research centers reported on a new drug for treating the elevated levels of uric acid that lead to gout. This drug, febuxostat, produced by TAP pharmaceuticals, can be used in persons who are allergic to allopurinol |. Dr. Shiel's Perspective: This is exciting news for the gout field. Rash allergic reactions to allopurinol do occur and this drug will provide a viable option in this setting.

This is also important news for patients with kidney disease who have elevated blood levels of uric acid or gout because the drug is metabolized by the liver and not the kidneys like the traditional gout drug allopurinol . (Febuxostat) is not yet on the market in the U.S., but will likely be approved for use soon. Etoricoxib (Arcoxia) is a new Cox-2 antiinflammation medication that can be effective in treating the acute attacks of gout.

Dr. Shiel's Perspective: We need more options in the treatment of arthritis attacks in gout patients. Fibromyalgia Treatment .

Early studies had suggested its potential as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Interestingly, in this study, it worked whether or not the patients with fibromyalgia had depression |. Return To Reports From National Meeting Disease Index . Last Editorial Review: 4/7/2005.

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