Different combinations of DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) can be prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis as opposed to a single DMARD. Triple therapy, which is among the treatment options, refers to the use of three different DMARDs; sometimes it may refer to two different DMARDs and one low dose glucocorticoid. What Is Triple Therapy? The usual combination of DMARDs used as triple therapy for rheumatoid arthritis includes methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.
Typically, a single DMARD (monotherapy) would be tried first, but if the response is inadequate, the doctor and patient would then consider other treatment options. Who Should Consider Triple Therapy? In 2012, treatment guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology, as well as the Canadian Rheumatology Association, recommended the use of combination therapy with DMARDs—including triple…
