Impact of stopping methotrexate on Shingrix vaccine response in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Effect of Methotrexate Discontinuation on Immunogenicity of Shingrix in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not applicable Interventional Konkuk University Medical Center · NCT06574594

This study is testing if stopping methotrexate for two weeks helps people with rheumatoid arthritis get a better immune response to the Shingrix vaccine.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKonkuk University Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06574594 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether discontinuing methotrexate affects the immune response to the Shingrix vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Participants will receive the Shingrix vaccine twice, with one group continuing methotrexate treatment and the other group stopping it for two weeks after vaccination. The study will compare the immune responses, both humoral and cell-mediated, between the two groups to determine the efficacy of the vaccine. Blood samples will be collected at various intervals to assess the immune response over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 19 years old who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and are currently using methotrexate.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, current infections, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of the Shingrix vaccine in RA patients, potentially reducing their risk of herpes zoster.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous studies have explored the effects of immunosuppressive medications on vaccine responses, indicating potential for meaningful insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* fulfill 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis
* age over 19 years
* methotrexate user
* agree for vaccination with shingrix

Exclusion Criteria:

* have other form of inflammatory arthritis or autoimmune-mediated disease
* malignancy, current infection, pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritisherpes zosterShingrixmethotrexate
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.