While there are more choices than ever to treat rheumatoid arthritis, researchers also have found new promise in some old treatments.
Recent studies show that some of the first disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs -- hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), methotrexate (Otrexup, Rheumatrex, Trexall), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs) -- when combined, may work as well as methotrexate plus a biologic. This “triple therapy,” as it's called, gives you and your doctor another approach if methotrexate alone is not working. It's also an option if you're wary of biologics because of their side effects or high cost.