Abstract

The place of sulphasalazine in the management of rheumatoid arthritis over prolonged periods of time has been compared and contrasted with that of sodium aurothiomalate. One hundred and forty-three patients (59 on sulphasalazine, 84 on sodium aurothiomalate) have been treated for periods of up to 42 months. Sulphasalazine is highly effective for some patients, though probably less frequently than sodium aurothiomalate. However, its safety profile is far superior, and very long-term treatment with sulphasalazine is a safe option for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.