Even though there is no actual treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to this day, there are a number of available medications in pharmacies that are designed to manage its symptoms and eventually improve the patient's 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, otherwise known as NSAIDs, work as an anti-inflammatory and in pain relief, but do not function to prevent further damage to the joints. These drugs impede the human body from manufacturing a substance called prostaglandins, which primarily triggers pain and inflammation.
Some examples of NSAIDs are naproxen (Aleve and Naprosyn) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin). Other NSAID examples include etodolac (Lodine), meloxicam (Mobic), ketoprofen (Orudis), Celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin, oxaprozin (Daypro), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), piroxicam (Feldene), and nabumetone (Relafen).
These drugs are commonly advised as soon as a positive RA diagnosis is made. But remember that when consumed in extreme dosages for extended periods, these medications can cause severe side effects, including gastric ulcers, stomach bleeding, plus liver and kidney damage.
Corticosteroids
Another group of medication used for RA treatment is corticosteroids. Such medications block the immune system, thus alleviating inflammation.
Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), Cortisone (Cortone), methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol, DepoMedrol), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), triamcinolone (Aristocort), dexamethasone (Decadron), plus prednisone (Deltasone and Orasone), are some of the most common corticosteroids.
Though corticosteroids may be effective in treating RA, they have been reported to cause adverse side effects if taken in extended periods of time. Some of these side effects include cataracts, glaucoma, easy bruising, excessive weight gain, diabetes, and thinning bones.
On account of these risks of adverse side effects, these medications are generally only used as a momentary solution to curtail sudden rheumatoid arthritis outbreaks. One major advantage of corticosteroids is that a single corticosteroid injection will block inflammation of the joint for a long period of time.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (a.k.a. DMARDs) are a group of medications that serve to prevent your immune system from damaging the joints, gradually impeding further progression of joint damage. When treating RA, these drugs are frequently taken in combination with other medications for more successful results.
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).
While some DMARD products have been successful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, the potential for negative side effects is large. Long-term DMARD consumption can set off toxicity of the bone marrow and liver, propensity for infections, skin allergies, and even autoimmunity.
Of the DMARDs previously listed, hydroxychloroquine has the lowest risk of causing liver and bone marrow toxicity, and is hence deemed to be one of the safest DMARD types. Unfortunately, hydroxychloroquine is by no means an especially powerful medication and is not effective enough on its own to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis 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.
One example of how biological drugs work is by inhibiting tumor necrosis factors (TNFs). Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and etanercept (Enbrel) are some TNF blockers.
One other example of how biological agents curtail inflammation is through destroying B cells. Rituximab (Rituxan), in particular, binds itself to B cells, ultimately killing them.
Further medications that reduce inflammation through their own way are:
- tocilizumab (Actemra and RoActemra), functions by blocking interleukin 6 or IL-6 - anakinra (Kineret), blocks IL-1 (interleukin 1) - abatacept (Orencia), which serves to block T-cells
You must consider that every biological drug has its own potential for negative side effects. The risks for side effects must be considered when prescribing it to a patient.
Salicylates
Salicylates reduce the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the reason behind the painful and inflammatory symptoms of arthritis. In recent years, salicylates have been widely replaced with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), primarily due to the fact that salicylates can cause serious side effects, e.g. potentially causing kidney damage.
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).
While pain relief drugs neither curtail inflammation nor prevent the progression of further joint damage, such medications allow the individual become more comfortable and ultimately function better in his/her daily life. For this reason alone, anti-pain drugs are certainly worth considering.
Surgery as a Last Resort
If all these medications prove ineffective, physicians may recommend surgical treatment. Examples of surgical procedures used in RA treatment include tendon repair, synovectomy (i.e. joint lining removal), as well as arthroplasty (i.e. joint replacement surgery), wherein the damaged joint areas are replaced with prosthetics. - 16083
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, otherwise known as NSAIDs, work as an anti-inflammatory and in pain relief, but do not function to prevent further damage to the joints. These drugs impede the human body from manufacturing a substance called prostaglandins, which primarily triggers pain and inflammation.
Some examples of NSAIDs are naproxen (Aleve and Naprosyn) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin). Other NSAID examples include etodolac (Lodine), meloxicam (Mobic), ketoprofen (Orudis), Celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin, oxaprozin (Daypro), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), piroxicam (Feldene), and nabumetone (Relafen).
These drugs are commonly advised as soon as a positive RA diagnosis is made. But remember that when consumed in extreme dosages for extended periods, these medications can cause severe side effects, including gastric ulcers, stomach bleeding, plus liver and kidney damage.
Corticosteroids
Another group of medication used for RA treatment is corticosteroids. Such medications block the immune system, thus alleviating inflammation.
Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), Cortisone (Cortone), methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol, DepoMedrol), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), triamcinolone (Aristocort), dexamethasone (Decadron), plus prednisone (Deltasone and Orasone), are some of the most common corticosteroids.
Though corticosteroids may be effective in treating RA, they have been reported to cause adverse side effects if taken in extended periods of time. Some of these side effects include cataracts, glaucoma, easy bruising, excessive weight gain, diabetes, and thinning bones.
On account of these risks of adverse side effects, these medications are generally only used as a momentary solution to curtail sudden rheumatoid arthritis outbreaks. One major advantage of corticosteroids is that a single corticosteroid injection will block inflammation of the joint for a long period of time.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (a.k.a. DMARDs) are a group of medications that serve to prevent your immune system from damaging the joints, gradually impeding further progression of joint damage. When treating RA, these drugs are frequently taken in combination with other medications for more successful results.
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).
While some DMARD products have been successful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, the potential for negative side effects is large. Long-term DMARD consumption can set off toxicity of the bone marrow and liver, propensity for infections, skin allergies, and even autoimmunity.
Of the DMARDs previously listed, hydroxychloroquine has the lowest risk of causing liver and bone marrow toxicity, and is hence deemed to be one of the safest DMARD types. Unfortunately, hydroxychloroquine is by no means an especially powerful medication and is not effective enough on its own to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis 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.
One example of how biological drugs work is by inhibiting tumor necrosis factors (TNFs). Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and etanercept (Enbrel) are some TNF blockers.
One other example of how biological agents curtail inflammation is through destroying B cells. Rituximab (Rituxan), in particular, binds itself to B cells, ultimately killing them.
Further medications that reduce inflammation through their own way are:
- tocilizumab (Actemra and RoActemra), functions by blocking interleukin 6 or IL-6 - anakinra (Kineret), blocks IL-1 (interleukin 1) - abatacept (Orencia), which serves to block T-cells
You must consider that every biological drug has its own potential for negative side effects. The risks for side effects must be considered when prescribing it to a patient.
Salicylates
Salicylates reduce the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the reason behind the painful and inflammatory symptoms of arthritis. In recent years, salicylates have been widely replaced with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), primarily due to the fact that salicylates can cause serious side effects, e.g. potentially causing kidney damage.
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).
While pain relief drugs neither curtail inflammation nor prevent the progression of further joint damage, such medications allow the individual become more comfortable and ultimately function better in his/her daily life. For this reason alone, anti-pain drugs are certainly worth considering.
Surgery as a Last Resort
If all these medications prove ineffective, physicians may recommend surgical treatment. Examples of surgical procedures used in RA treatment include tendon repair, synovectomy (i.e. joint lining removal), as well as arthroplasty (i.e. joint replacement surgery), wherein the damaged joint areas are replaced with prosthetics. - 16083
About the Author:
To grab your Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and to read more articles related to Medications For Rheumatoid Arthritis, please visit this arthritis website.
