2ND-LINE AGENTS FOR RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Second-line agents (disease-modifying agents or slow-acting antirheuma toid drugs) are well established for synovitis that persists despite t reatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. indications for their use in the elderly are similar to those in younger people, but t he elderly are at higher risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, lower d oses, more cautious patient selection and more frequent monitoring for adverse reactions are recommended. Low dose corticosteroids are often effective in the elderly and obviate the need for second-line agents.