Controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine and d‐penicillamine singly and in combination in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

A 2‐year, controlled, double‐blind trial of D‐penicillamine and hydroxychloroquine either alone or in combination was conducted on patients with progressive rheumatoid arthritis. The group given D‐penicillamine alone improved most, but a linear fall‐off in efficacy occurred. Surprisingly, the group receiving combination drug therapy did not fare as well as the group receiving D‐penicillamine therapy. A subset of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine therapy had prolonged benefit. Toxicity, though not uncommon, was generally not severe.