New medications for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Several new medications have become available to physicians for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


OBJECTIVE
To familiarize the reader with these new medications, including their benefits and side effects.


METHODS
Data sources include published articles regarding the use of these medications. Study selection includes available information obtained from an online literature search (Mayo Search) regarding these agents, with additional information from the manufactures and our pharmacy.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review indicate that leftunomide (Arava) and etanercept (Enbrel) are useful new agents for treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Moder
K G
KG
Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068800:Etanercept; D005252:Fees, Pharmaceutical; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007555:Isoxazoles; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000077339:Leflunomide; D000068800:Etanercept; D008727:Methotrexate