A convenient dose-conversation stratergy for MTX has
been shown to be effective for RA treatment.
Both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and
European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines propose the use of
methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment when there is no
contraindication. Methotrexate comes under the class of drugs called
antimetabolites which acts by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells
and repressing the immune system.
MTX is a bedrock of RA therapy, although absorption
saturation undermines its oral bioavailability (BA). The need for guidance on
successful dose-conversion methods arise due to the differences in the relative
BA of oral versus subcutaneous (SC) MTX.
The study mentioned here was performed to distinguish MTX PK profiles as
a consequence of MTX administration via three distinct treatment
administrations: oral, SC MTX administered via an auto-injector (MTXAI) into
the abdomen (MTXAIab) and into the thigh (MTXAIth). A dose-conversion method
based on the BA of MTX from oral and SC administration was initiated in this
paper.
The SC administration supplemented higher exposure
of MTX than the same dose given orally. The dose-proportional exposure was seen
with SC MTX unlike the exposure restrictions of oral MTX.
Rheumatology International
Oral to Subcutaneous Methotrexate Dose-Conversion Strategy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Michael H Schiff et al.
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