Efficacy of cyclosporin A in rheumatoid arthritis: worldwide experience.

The effects of cyclosporin A (CyA) on the activity of RA have mainly been investigated in patients with active, refractory, long-term disease. The data obtained in these trials suggest that CyA is not only a symptomatic treatment for RA but can also be considered a DMARD. The potential benefits of CyA on one hand and its potential toxicity on the other indicate that a careful assessment should be made of its use in patients with early active RA.