Question:
Does Remicade (Infliximab) work better than the traditional combination of methotrexate, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 5
Amount Saved: $5,642 per month for Remicade
MedHead Message:
Remicade costs about $5,642 per month conservatively, to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, the old “triple therapy” of methotrexate, plaquenil, and sulfasalazine produce nearly the same results in regards to functioning and pain. Don’t let your doctor jump to the “biologics” (very expensive rheumatoid medications that you inject) without starting triple therapy. Save your hard earned money! You could buy an entire modest house in the cost difference you would save over just a few years!
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
