Low dose leucovorin does not interfere with the efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: an 8 week randomized placebo controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if simultaneously administered low dose leucovorin interferes with the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX).


METHODS
An 8-week double blind placebo controlled study of leucovorin (1 mg) in 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving chronic MTX was performed at a single academic center.


RESULTS
A flare of disease activity was not observed. Clinical variables of arthritis activity did not change in the leucovorin treated population.


CONCLUSIONS
Low dose leucovorin when taken simultaneously with MTX did not interfere with the efficacy of MTX in a short term 8 week trial.
Weinblatt
M E
ME
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Maier
A L
AL
Coblyn
J S
JS
D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008875:Middle Aged
D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate