Noninfectious uveitis is often treated with oral corticosteroids that present serious side effects after continued use, forcing patients to switch to other drugs. Researchers examined which of those other drugs are most effective post corticosteroid use.
Researchers randomly assigned 216 patients with uveitis to receive methotrexate or mycophenolate. Over 6 months, participants reduced their prednisone to ≤7.5 mg/day and received either 3 g of mycophenolate daily or 25 mg of methotrexate weekly. Treatments were assessed using eye examinations and imaging.
Results showed that mycophenolate and methotrexate were similarly effective: 57% versus 67% experienced controlled inflammation, respectfully. At 6 months, 74% of participants in the methotrexate group had control over uveitis versus 55% in the mycophenolate group. If participants did not experience controlled inflammation, they switched drugs. At 1 year, 69% of participants who switched from mycophenolate to methotrexate experienced controlled inflammation versus only 35% of those who switched from methotrexate to mycophenolate.
Researchers hope these findings will aid in treatment guidance.
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