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[Infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis-use in a third level hospital]
R Ruano Camps1, M V Ordóñez Martí-Aguilar, C Gallego Fernández
1Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Carlos Haya, Malaga, Spain. rosalia.ruano@terra.es
Summary
Infliximab (anti-TNF therapy) shows effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with manageable adverse effects. Careful adherence to dosage and usage guidelines is crucial for optimal outcomes in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring effective treatment.
- Biologic therapies, such as infliximab, offer a significant advancement in RA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the real-world use, effectiveness, and safety of infliximab in RA patients.
- To conduct an economic assessment of infliximab therapy in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of RA patients treated with infliximab from January 2001 to March 2003.
- Analysis of dosage, administration intervals, concurrent methotrexate use, adverse effects, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most patients received standard infliximab doses (≤3 mg/kg) and intervals (≥8 weeks), with 78% on concurrent methotrexate.
- Reported adverse effects were consistent with product information; objective parameters improved, while others showed less significant changes.
- Infliximab therapy represented 5.6% of day hospital costs.
Conclusions:
- Infliximab (an anti-TNF drug) is a valuable therapeutic option for rheumatoid arthritis due to its efficacy and safety profile.
- Adherence to recommended usage guidelines and scientific society recommendations is essential for optimizing infliximab therapy in RA.