While there is no definite cure for RA or rheumatoid arthritis at present, there are a wide variety of available drugs in pharmacies that are designed to alleviate its symptoms and eventually improve the condition.
In general, RA medications can be classified into different classes, as enumerated in the succeeding paragraphs. Doctors can make proper plan for treatment to reduce joint inflammation and pain, and stop further damage to the joints. Depending on each case, successful treatment can be attained through a combination of the following options:
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, more commonly known as NSAIDs, work in relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but don't function to prevent further damage to the joints. These medications hinder your body from producing prostaglandins, which primarily triggers pain and inflammation.
Common NSAID examples are naproxen (Naprosyn and Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil). Other examples include ketoprofen (Orudis), meloxicam (Mobic), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin, Celecoxib (Celebrex), oxaprozin (Daypro), diclofenac (Voltaren & Cataflam), nabumetone (Relafen), and piroxicam (Feldene).
These medications are regularly advised when a final diagnosis of RA is made. But keep in mind that when consumed in excessive dosages for a long time, NSAIDs can cause negative side effects, such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, as well as kidney and liver damage.
Corticosteroids
Another group of medication used for RA treatment is corticosteroids. Such medications block the immune system, thus alleviating inflammation.
Methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol, DepoMedrol), Cortisone (Cortone), betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), dexamethasone (Decadron), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), triamcinolone (Aristocort), plus prednisone (Deltasone and Orasone), are some of the most common corticosteroids.
While corticosteroids may be successful in treating RA, they have been known to trigger adverse side effects when taken in extended periods. Some side effects include glaucoma, cataracts, easy bruising, diabetes, thinning bones, and excessive weight gain.
On account of their potential to develop severe side effects, these medications are usually only used as a temporary solution to manage sudden rheumatoid arthritis outbreaks. The good news is that just one corticosteroid injection is able to block joint inflammation for a long time.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs or DMARDs
DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) pertain to a class of medications that work to inhibit the immune system from assaulting the joints, ultimately obstructing further joint damage. In treating RA, such medications are often taken alongside other medications for greater efficiency.
RA causes permanent joint damage, which manifests in the early stages of the disease. Accordingly, most medical specialists would prescribe DMARD therapy soon after diagnosis. You are most receptive to DMARD treatment during the initial stages of RA. The earlier DMARDs are consumed, the more advantageous it is for the RA sufferer.
Some DMARD examples are methotrexate (Rheumatrex), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), gold salts (Solganal, Aurolate, Myochrysine, Ridaura), cyclophosphamide, penicillamine (Cuprimine), azathioprine (Imuran), minocycline, leflunomide (Arava), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
Though a number of DMARDs have been proven effective in RA treatment, the potential for severe side effects is high. Using DMARDs for a long time can lead to toxicity of the liver and bone marrow, susceptibility to infections, allergies (particularly of the skin), and autoimmunity.
Of the DMARD examples mentioned above, hydroxychloroquine has the least risk of triggering liver & bone marrow toxicity, and is hence considered as 1 of the safest DMARD types. Unfortunately, hydroxychloroquine is apparently not a particularly powerful drug and is not strong enough on its own to alleviate RA symptoms.
In contrast, methotrexate is believed to be 1 of the most powerful DMARD types in treating RA because of a number of reasons. It has been known to treat RA without affecting the toxicity of the liver and bone marrow as in other DMARDs. In addition, methotrexate has been proven safe and effective when used alongside biological agents, which are another classification of RA drugs to be discussed later. Consequently, methotrexate is often recommended in combination with some biological agents if the drug does not cure the disease on its own. On the other hand, do note while methotrexate is not as risky as others, it still canblock the bone marrow or trigger hepatitis. In such cases, getting regular blood tests are recommended to guide the individual's condition, as well as to stop treatment at the first hint of problems.
Biological Agents
Biological agents or biological drugs serve to reduce inflammation via different ways.
An example of how biological agents work is by blocking TNFs or tumor necrosis factors. Adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade) are examples of TNF blockers.
Another way with which biological agents treat inflammation is through killing B cells. Rituxan (Rituximab), for example, unites with B cells, hence killing them.
Further medications that reduce inflammation through their own way are:
- tocilizumab (e.g. Actemra & RoActemra), inhibits interleukin (IL-6) - anakinra (e.g. Kineret), inhibits interleukin 1 (IL-1) - abatacept (i.e. Orencia), which works by blocking T-cells
Bear in mind that each of these biological drugs has its own risks for side effects. The potential for side effects must be considered when administering it to an individual.
Salicylates
Salicylates reduce prostaglandins production. Prostaglandins generate the pain and inflammation of arthritis. In recent years, the use of salicylates have been generally replaced with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), mainly since salicylates can cause negative side effects, such as damaging the kidney.
Pain Relief Medications
Lastly, various pain relief medications can likewise be taken to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of pain relief medications are tramadol (Ultram) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Although pain relief medications neither eliminate inflammation nor delay the progression of joint damage, these medications allow the patient to feel more comfortable and in due course improve his/her overall condition. It is because of this that pain relief medications are absolutely worth considering.
Surgery as a Last Resort
If all the medications discussed previously fail to produce results, a physician may probably recommend surgical treatment. Some surgical procedures used in RA treatment are tendon repair, joint lining removal (i.e. synovectomy), as well as arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery), wherein the damaged parts of the joint are replaced with prosthetics. - 15683
In general, RA medications can be classified into different classes, as enumerated in the succeeding paragraphs. Doctors can make proper plan for treatment to reduce joint inflammation and pain, and stop further damage to the joints. Depending on each case, successful treatment can be attained through a combination of the following options:
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, more commonly known as NSAIDs, work in relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but don't function to prevent further damage to the joints. These medications hinder your body from producing prostaglandins, which primarily triggers pain and inflammation.
Common NSAID examples are naproxen (Naprosyn and Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil). Other examples include ketoprofen (Orudis), meloxicam (Mobic), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin, Celecoxib (Celebrex), oxaprozin (Daypro), diclofenac (Voltaren & Cataflam), nabumetone (Relafen), and piroxicam (Feldene).
These medications are regularly advised when a final diagnosis of RA is made. But keep in mind that when consumed in excessive dosages for a long time, NSAIDs can cause negative side effects, such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, as well as kidney and liver damage.
Corticosteroids
Another group of medication used for RA treatment is corticosteroids. Such medications block the immune system, thus alleviating inflammation.
Methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol, DepoMedrol), Cortisone (Cortone), betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), dexamethasone (Decadron), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), triamcinolone (Aristocort), plus prednisone (Deltasone and Orasone), are some of the most common corticosteroids.
While corticosteroids may be successful in treating RA, they have been known to trigger adverse side effects when taken in extended periods. Some side effects include glaucoma, cataracts, easy bruising, diabetes, thinning bones, and excessive weight gain.
On account of their potential to develop severe side effects, these medications are usually only used as a temporary solution to manage sudden rheumatoid arthritis outbreaks. The good news is that just one corticosteroid injection is able to block joint inflammation for a long time.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs or DMARDs
DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) pertain to a class of medications that work to inhibit the immune system from assaulting the joints, ultimately obstructing further joint damage. In treating RA, such medications are often taken alongside other medications for greater efficiency.
RA causes permanent joint damage, which manifests in the early stages of the disease. Accordingly, most medical specialists would prescribe DMARD therapy soon after diagnosis. You are most receptive to DMARD treatment during the initial stages of RA. The earlier DMARDs are consumed, the more advantageous it is for the RA sufferer.
Some DMARD examples are methotrexate (Rheumatrex), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), gold salts (Solganal, Aurolate, Myochrysine, Ridaura), cyclophosphamide, penicillamine (Cuprimine), azathioprine (Imuran), minocycline, leflunomide (Arava), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).
Though a number of DMARDs have been proven effective in RA treatment, the potential for severe side effects is high. Using DMARDs for a long time can lead to toxicity of the liver and bone marrow, susceptibility to infections, allergies (particularly of the skin), and autoimmunity.
Of the DMARD examples mentioned above, hydroxychloroquine has the least risk of triggering liver & bone marrow toxicity, and is hence considered as 1 of the safest DMARD types. Unfortunately, hydroxychloroquine is apparently not a particularly powerful drug and is not strong enough on its own to alleviate RA symptoms.
In contrast, methotrexate is believed to be 1 of the most powerful DMARD types in treating RA because of a number of reasons. It has been known to treat RA without affecting the toxicity of the liver and bone marrow as in other DMARDs. In addition, methotrexate has been proven safe and effective when used alongside biological agents, which are another classification of RA drugs to be discussed later. Consequently, methotrexate is often recommended in combination with some biological agents if the drug does not cure the disease on its own. On the other hand, do note while methotrexate is not as risky as others, it still canblock the bone marrow or trigger hepatitis. In such cases, getting regular blood tests are recommended to guide the individual's condition, as well as to stop treatment at the first hint of problems.
Biological Agents
Biological agents or biological drugs serve to reduce inflammation via different ways.
An example of how biological agents work is by blocking TNFs or tumor necrosis factors. Adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade) are examples of TNF blockers.
Another way with which biological agents treat inflammation is through killing B cells. Rituxan (Rituximab), for example, unites with B cells, hence killing them.
Further medications that reduce inflammation through their own way are:
- tocilizumab (e.g. Actemra & RoActemra), inhibits interleukin (IL-6) - anakinra (e.g. Kineret), inhibits interleukin 1 (IL-1) - abatacept (i.e. Orencia), which works by blocking T-cells
Bear in mind that each of these biological drugs has its own risks for side effects. The potential for side effects must be considered when administering it to an individual.
Salicylates
Salicylates reduce prostaglandins production. Prostaglandins generate the pain and inflammation of arthritis. In recent years, the use of salicylates have been generally replaced with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), mainly since salicylates can cause negative side effects, such as damaging the kidney.
Pain Relief Medications
Lastly, various pain relief medications can likewise be taken to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of pain relief medications are tramadol (Ultram) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Although pain relief medications neither eliminate inflammation nor delay the progression of joint damage, these medications allow the patient to feel more comfortable and in due course improve his/her overall condition. It is because of this that pain relief medications are absolutely worth considering.
Surgery as a Last Resort
If all the medications discussed previously fail to produce results, a physician may probably recommend surgical treatment. Some surgical procedures used in RA treatment are tendon repair, joint lining removal (i.e. synovectomy), as well as arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery), wherein the damaged parts of the joint are replaced with prosthetics. - 15683
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