Cyclosporine in rheumatoid arthritis: an overview.

All the studies so far performed indicate that Cyclosporine (CyA) treatment i RA is effective and one study indicates that it can also slow down radiological progression. But it is also clear that CyA induced nephrotoxicity is so far the main problem. However, nephrotoxicity can be minimised by lowering the CyA dosage and by ensuring that RA patients subjected to CyA therapy have a normal kidney function and no history of hypertension. I believe that CyA alone or in combination with other drugs will find its place in the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases in the near future.