title: Leflunomide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Leflunomide treatment appears to offer an alternative to methotrexate and sulfasalazine and is a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for treating active RA. Leflunomide treatment for more than 12 months results in clinically meaningful improvements in disease-specific measures of physical function. The phase 3 trials have shown leflunomide to be as effective as methotrexate and sulfasalazine and an option for initial DMARD therapy. As with all new agents, the long-term safety and value of leflunomide will be determined by use in the clinic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Strand
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kremer
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077339:Leflunomide
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide