To study the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.

Ninety patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into three groups, with 30 cases in each group. Group A: oral administration of iguratimod, 25 mg two times a day, and oral administration of methotrexate, 10 mg once a week. Group B: oral administration of iguratimod, 25 mg two times a ady. Group C: oral administration of methotrexate, 15 mg once a week. According to the American College of Rheumatology criteria for judging 20%, 50% and 70% (ACR20, ACR 50 and ACR 70) improvement of swollen and tender joint was judged according to the American College Of Rheumatology criteria, and the adverse reactions were observed.

After the treatment in group A and group B ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 were higher than those in group C [76.67% (23/30) and 60.00% (18/30) than 40.00% (12/30), 50.00% (15/30) and 33.33% (10/30) than 20.00% (6/30), 23.33% (7/30) and 13.33% (4/30) than 6.67% (2/30)], and in group A was higher than that in group B. The differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). The adverse reaction rate in group A and group B was significantly lower than that in group C :16.67% (5/30) and 13.33% (4/30) than 30.00% (9/30), and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05); the adverse reaction occurred rate in group A and group B, had no significant difference (P >0.05).

Monotherapy with iguratimod in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis is superior to methotrexate, and has fewer side effects. The combined application of the two drugs is more effective, and can reduce the dose of methotrexate and reduce the incidence of side effects, which is worthy of clinical application.

Arthritis, rheumatoid; Methotrexate; Iguratimod