Lack of benefit of methotrexate in severe, steroid-dependent asthma
Article Abstract:
It is estimated that greater than 5 percent of the population has asthma, and that the incidence and severity of asthma is increasing. Many drugs are available for the treatment of asthma. However, for patients with severe asthma, long-term treatment with high doses of corticosteroids may be required and, unfortunately, may produce serious side effects. Therefore, other methods of treatment with fewer adverse effects are needed for these patients. A recent study indicated that methotrexate (a drug that reduces inflammation) was effective in reducing the need for steroid treatment in patients with severe asthma. To investigate this further, the effects of methotrexate on steroid requirement, patient symptoms, and lung function were determined in 18 patients with severe asthma who were prescribed corticosteroids (prednisone). During a 13-week-period, 9 patients were treated with methotrexate (10 to 15 milligrams/week) and 9 received inactive placebo. By the end of the treatment period, the required steroid dose was reduced by 40 percent in both the methotrexate group and the placebo group. In addition, lung function and patient symptoms were the similar in the two groups. There were few toxic side effects associated with methotrexate treatment. The researchers found that methotrexate did not have a significant effect on asthma control when it was given for an entire year at a dose of 30 milligrams/week. The results of this study do not support the use of methotrexate for treating patients with severe asthma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1991
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Effectiveness of the leukotriene receptor antagonist zafirlukast for mild-to-moderate asthma: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Article Abstract:
Zafirlukast, a drug that blocks leukotriene receptors, appears to be both beneficial and cost-effective in treating patients with mild to moderate asthma. Leukotrienes are compounds that regulate inflammatory reactions. The number of asthma episodes, supplemental drugs required, work or school days missed, and unplanned office visits were tabulated for 146 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma treated with either zafirlukast or placebo. Patients taking zafirlukast reported 98% fewer days with evidence of asthma, 55% fewer lost school or work days, and they used 17% fewer beta-agonist inhalers.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Severe liver injury in patients taking the asthma medication zafirlukast
Article Abstract:
The asthma drug zafirlukast (Accolate) may cause liver damage in some patients. The damage may be reversible or may be severe enough to require a liver transplant. Preliminary studies of the drug showed that about 5% of patients who took it had abnormal liver function tests.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2000
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