Weekly versus daily leflunomide

Abstract

Chronic conditions are a major global concern. Chronic rheumatic diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, depression, psychosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, coronary vascular disease, dyslipidemia and also chronic rheumatic disorders are among the most common chronic conditions requiring chronic drug therapy. Looking for an optimum strategy in managing patients with chronic disorders is very important. Patient convenience, drug safety, and maximum efficacy form the rationale for finding the best treatment in caring for patients with chronic disorders. Throughout the history of rheumatology, great achievements have been made in improving the management of chronic rheumatic disorders using more specific drugs, especially targeted agents and signaling inhibitors, to overcome disabling diseases more precisely. Apart from non-pharmacological management of rheumatic disorders, drug therapy is the cornerstone for treatment in most instances. Therefore, the safety profile of management is crucial. Strategies for reducing adverse drug reactions and maximizing the benefits and compliance with drug therapy should be our major concerns. Most researchers and pharmaceutical companies endeavor to develop new drugs with more specific measures based on the pathophysiology of the disease. However, clinical rheumatologists should consistently search for the optimum management strategy with the available medications. Ongoing modifications to ideas and understanding previous pitfalls make medicine an everchanging science and practice. However, considering the over-emphasis on new medicine and occasional gap between clinical practice and pharmacy disciplines to improve treatment guidelines may impose some burdens for patients in cases of classic medications. For a long period of time, systemic corticosteroids were the standard EditorialOpen Access

Methotrexate; a trustworthy answer to an inflammatory response in osteoarthritis

“…It belongs to the group with rather long half-life and especially postdrug effect. [ 3 ] Anti-inflammatory effects of MTX by suppressing neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes through adenosine release lead to reduce cytokine including TNF-α and IL-6. [ 4 ]…”