To evaluate the rates of retention and discontinuation of adalimumab (ADA) due to efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
All patients with RA (n = 476) who were treated with ADA in the Tsurumai Biologics Communication Registry were enrolled.
The retention rate of ADA was 46% at 5 years. When focusing on insufficient efficacy, previous biologics use and high baseline disease activity were significant risk factors for up to 1 year. Methotrexate (MTX) use was a significantly low risk factor after 1 year of treatment.
Concomitant MTX contributes to the longterm efficacy of ADA therapy.