Methotrexate, rheumatoid arthritis and infection risk: what is the evidence?
Low-dose MTX administered weekly remains a mainstay in the therapy of RA. There is a belief amongst rheumatologists that RA patients taking MTX have both an increased risk and severity of infection. Here we review the published data on the risks of infection associated with the use of MTX in patients with RA and make some recommendations for managing MTX in patients with infection.
McLean-Tooke
Andrew
A
Department of Immunology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK. andrew.mcleantooke@nuth.nhs.uk
Aldridge
Catherine
C
Waugh
Sheila
S
Spickett
Gavin P
GP
Kay
Lesley
L
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012306:Risk
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008727:Methotrexate