Question:
Does Humira (Adalimumab) work better than the traditional combination of methotrexate, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), and sulfasalazine for my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 5
Amount Saved: $4,846 cost per month for Humira
MedHead Message:
Humira costs about $57,000 per year more than the “triple therapy” that you can purchase for about $75 per month and has equal outcomes.
References:
1. Hazelwood GS, et. al. Methotrexate monotherapy and methotrexate combination therapy with traditional and biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis: abridged Cochrane systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ. 2016 Apr 21;353:i1777 2. Eriksson JK, et. al. Cost-effectiveness of infliximab versus conventional combination treatment in methotrexate-refractory early rheumatoid arthritis: 2-year results of the register-enriched randomised controlled SWEFOT trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015 Jun;74(6):1094-101 3. Bansback N, et. al. Triple Therapy Versus Biologic Therapy for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.Ann Intern Med. 2017 Jul 4;167(1):8-16 4. Moreland, LW, et. al. A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Study of Oral Triple Therapy versus Etanercept plus Methotrexate in Early, Aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Sep; 64(9): 2824–2835.5. https://www.goodrx.com/remicade?drug-name=remicade
