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What was the rationale for abrupt discontinuation of etanercept rather than gradual tapering in the SEAM-RA trial?

The ACR 2021 RA Guidelines suggest the gradual tapering approach is preferable.
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Given the results of the SEAM-RA trial, are you more likely to consider abrupt withdrawal of medication as opposed to gradual discontinuation?

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2 Answers
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Rheumatology · University of Alabama
Answered on

The main goal of this trial was to get RA patients off of therapy and to see whether they would flare or maintain remission. We didn’t expect that the ultimate likelihood of success or failure was going to be primarily related to how long it took to do that. While a gradual withdrawal of the drug ma...

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Mednet Member
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Rheumatology · John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
Answered on

I would taper Methotrexate first.

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