Immunosuppressive drug therapy for rheumatic disease.

The use and complications of intravenous cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, nitrogen mustard, and cyclosporine are reviewed. Studies have failed to demonstrate superiority of intravenous versus oral cyclophosphamide in rheumatic diseases other than systemic lupus. Azathioprine is a useful immunosuppressive agent in Beçhet's disease. Further studies of cyclosporine in rheumatoid arthritis indicate that efficacy and toxicity are both dose related.