Oral contraceptive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: an open study in 10 female patients

Ten female patients (median age 37 years, range 23-45) with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (nine seropositive, one seronegative, seven erosive, three non-erosive) were treated during 6 months with one of the earlier, i.e. higher dosed, oral contraceptives (Lyndiol, each tablet containing 2.5 mg lynestrenol and 0.05 mg ethinyloestradiol). None of the patients had been previously treated with a disease modifying drug. In one patient therapy with Lyndiol was stopped within 14 days after the start because of vomiting. Three out of the remaining nine patients stopped the therapy after 3 months because of inefficacy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) deteriorated during the study. Except for the number of swollen joints no clinical or laboratory parameters improved. We conclude that Lyndiol has no disease modifying effect in rheumatoid arthritis.