Anti-TNF dose modifications in rheumatoid arthritis have implications on healthcare resource utilization. The objective was to systematically review the dose modifications, both escalations and reductions, of currently available anti-TNF drugs (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab) in the real-world setting. We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Indice Médico Español databases and American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism annual congresses databases. PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Only observational studies were included. Clinical trials were excluded since they do not reflect routine clinical practice. Dose escalations and reductions of the anti-TNF drug and their magnitude were collected. Thirty-four studies fulfill the inclusion criteria. Etanercept was associated with the lower percentage of patients under dose escalation (4.5 %; range 0-22 %), both in naïve (4.9 %) and non-naïve patients (1.3 %). Adalimumab and infliximab were associated with significantly higher percentages. Dose modification magnitude in those patients compared to basal dose was significantly different between treatments; 7.1 % (95 % CI 6.3-7.9 %) in etanercept, 30.4 % (95 % CI 28.3-32.5 %) in adalimumab and 21 % (95 % CI 20.3-21.7 %) in infliximab. Adalimumab and infliximab were associated with a higher risk of dose escalation relative to etanercept. There were no significant differences in the dose reduction percentages for the whole group of patients between treatments. In rheumatoid arthritis, etanercept is associated with a significantly lower percentage of dose-escalated patients and a lower magnitude of dose modification. Significant differences in the dose reduction between anti-TNF drugs evaluated were not observed.