Reason for request

Renewal of inclusion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

 Non-biologic DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis (excluding methotrexate and leflunomide)

 Azathioprine, sulfasalazine and synthetic antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine) still have a substantial clinical benefit.

Cyclosporine, D-penicillamine, gold salts and tiopronin have no longer a clinical benefit relative to the available alternatives.

 

  • The main focus concerns the following disease-modifying treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
  • azathioprine (IMUREL)
  • chloroquine (NIVAQUINE)
  • cyclosporine (NEORAL, SANDIMMUN)
  • D-penicillamine (TROLOVOL)
  • hydroxychloroquine (PLAQUENIL)
  • gold salts (ALLOCHRYSINE)
  • sulfasalazine (SALAZOPYRINE)
  • tiopronin (ACADIONE)
  • According to current recommendations, the opinion of the French Society of Rheumatology and the published clinical data, azathioprine, sulfasalazine and synthetic antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine) still have a role in the therapeutic strategy for RA.
  • Cyclosporine, D-penicillamine, gold salts and tiopronin no longer have a role in this therapeutic strategies.

Clinical Benefit

Insufficient

The actual benefit of NEORAL and SANDIMMUN is insufficient.