Infliximab as Induction Therapy in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (IDEA)

"Prior to week 26~* Infliximab 3mg/kg standard regime (weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, 22)~* Methotrexate commencing at 10mg weekly, progressing to 20mg by week 6.~* Folic acid 5 mg daily except the day methotrexate is taken~Patients will be unblinded at week 26 and then treated pragmatically guided by disease activity"

Steroid

All patients enrolled are commenced on oral methotrexate 10mg once a week The methotrexate dose should be increased to 15 mg at the week 2 visit. The methotrexate should be increased to 20mg at the week 6 visit.

All patients enrolled are commenced on oral folic acid 5mg daily, except the day methotrexate is taken, and the study infusions.