PARE0005 Development & dissemination of a resource about methotrexate use for and by patients with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: D. Richards, N. Robertson, L. Wilhelm, L. Proulx, A. McKinnon, J. Gunderson, C. Reece, A. Sirois
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> In managing inflammatory arthritis, methotrexate is often one of the first therapies prescribed.<sup>1 2</sup> Methotrexate is a therapy used long-term and often in combination with other medications.<sup>3 4</sup> As people who live with arthritis, we know that for a variety reasons, people do not use methotrexate as prescribed by their healthcare provider and as a result, they may not experience its maximum benefits. <h3>Objectives</h3> We set out to build and disseminate a resource about methotrexate and its use from the patient perspective. It is our aim to help patients find ways to deal with taking their methotrexate by sharing other patients' experiences and tips with them. <h3>Methods</h3> We surveyed people who live with arthritis about their attitudes and coping mechanisms related to taking methotrexate, seeking tips and tricks to share. A Board member/project manager created an online survey that was medically reviewed (English, French) and collected responses (circulated via newsletter, social media, patient organizations). Following the analysis of survey responses, a resource was developed and reviewed by 2 rheumatologists and a pharmacist. The resource was disseminated using similar methods to the survey. <h3>Results</h3> The survey response was global (363 responses, 77% with rheumatoid arthritis, 22% with psoriatic arthritis, 63% in Canada). Almost half of the survey respondents indicated they "do not like taking methotrexate, but it helps me manage my arthritis." Along with 5 top adaptations made to better tolerate taking methotrexate, a major gap was that 80% of respondents indicated not talking to their physician or pharmacist about finding an appropriate solution with respect to taking methotrexate. A web-based resource was developed and its dissemination plan are currently being completed and will be presented. <h3>Conclusions</h3> CAPA created a we-based, medically reviewed resource about taking methotrexate informed by patients' experiences who live with inflammatory arthritis. This resource aims to help people better manage taking methotrexate and is being disseminated. <h3>References</h3> [1] Bykerk VP, et al. Canadian Rheumatology Association Recommendations for Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Traditional and Biologic Disease- modifying Antirheumatic Drugs. J Rheumatol 2012;39;1559–1582. [2] Maksymowych WP, et al. The Canadian Rheumatology Association/Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada treatment recommendations for the management of spondyloarthritis: a national multidisciplinary stakeholder project. J. Rheumatol. 2007;34;2273–2284. [3] Albrecht K, Muller-Ladner U. Side effects and management of side effects of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2010 Sep–Oct;28(5 Suppl 61):S95–101. Epub 2010 Oct 28. [4] Kinder, AJ et al. The treatment of inflammatory arthritis with methotrexate in clinical practice: treatment duration and incidence of adverse drug reactions. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005 Jan;44(1):61–6. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> CAPA wishes to thank various pharmaceutical companies that allow us to conduct our operations as well as other patient organizations and health charities with whom we collaborate. <h3>Disclosure of Interest:</h3> D. Richards Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., Consultant for: The author has been provided with consulting fees from AbbVie Canada, Amgen Canada, Eli Lilly Canada, Pfizer/Hospira Canada, Pfizer Global, NovoNordisk, Janssen Canada and Global, Merck Canada, Novartis Canada., N. Robertson Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., L. Wilhelm Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., L. Proulx Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., A. McKinnon Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., J. Gunderson Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., C. Reece Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations., A. Sirois Grant/research support from: CAPA receives funding from a number of pharmaceutical companies to conduct its operations.