Medication options for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Down Syndrome Children

 

Question  my 11year old daughter has down syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, she is on 12.5 mg of methotrexate by injection once a week, i have noticed that her hair is falling out. She has not tried anything else. Is there any other medication with less side affects that she could try? She has the arthritis in her fingers toes and her wrists.
 
Answer  There are quite a variety of medications available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at this point.  The spectrum of agents (drugs) can be discussed with the treating rheumatologist who can review the pros and cons of each.  For mild disease, there are options that are less expensive and relatively non-toxic.  For more severe disease, a biologic drugs is usually added to methotrexate (or other oral drug).  A pediatric rheumatologist should care for children, if at all possible, given the more limited number of approved drugs for kids.

Last update: 10:22 AM Monday, October 15, 2007

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