No effect of acetylcystein on refractory rheumatoid arthritis

Acetylcystein has some chemical similarities with Penicillamine and other thiol containing compounds with effect on rheumatoid arthritis. We report an open trial on seven patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis in which no beneficial effect could be seen after up to twelve months treatment in doses 600-1200 mg acetylcystein daily. No definite laboratory changes were seen, apart from a tendency towards higher IgA levels at the end of the treatment period.