Utilization of Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients After Failure or Intolerance to Oral Methotrexate: A Multicenter Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-015-0276-3
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02T06:34:40Z
• Authors: Jaime C. Branco; Anabela Barcelos; Filipe Pombo de A...; Graça Sequeira; Inês Cunha; José Vaz Patto; Margarida Oliveira; Margarida Pratas ...; Maura Couto; Patrícia Nero; Patrícia Pinto; Paulo Monteiro; Walter Castelão; Jorge Félix; Diana Ferreira; João Almeida; Maria João Silva
• Keywords: Discontinuation; Tolerability

Low-dose weekly methotrexate (MTX) is the mainstay in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It can be given via oral, intramuscular or subcutaneous (SC) route. This study sought to determine real-world pattern treatment with SC MTX Portuguese adult patients active RA. Utilization Metoject® Rheumatoid Arthritis (UMAR) was a non-interventional, cohort multicenter retrospective data collection. Eligible had RA, at least 18 years age, and started 2009 2010 after failure intolerance oral MTX. Data were collected from patient's clinical records. Both non-parametric parametric survival methods used obtain detailed understanding duration. Fifty included, which only 9 discontinued during follow-up period. The probability discontinuation 1, 2, 3 expected 6.10%, 8.50%, 23.20%, respectively. extrapolated median duration using an exponential model 106.4 months/8.87 years. Mean dose 18.36 mg. reasons for occurrence adverse events six lack efficacy three. long highlights its excellent tolerability compared MTX, especially concerning frequent gastrointestinal Furthermore, provides opportunity postpone even avoid expensive therapies biologics. results obtained UMAR provide important information utilization public financing Portugal.