How is RA treated?

Answer 1

I am male and have suffered from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis since I was less than 10 years old. fortunately It was never so much of a problem in those days as to have warranted a great deal of attention However at about age 40 I did end up having bouts of pain that at times were very intense. My mother had suffered from RA and had developed a philosophical point of view about it and just pressed on. So I did the same, which was a big mistake. My Arthritis got progressively worse until when I was about 55 I reached a point where, at times, just getting out of the car had started to become a bit of a challenge. Occasionally I would see a doctor and he would prescribe some non steroidal anti inflammatory and this would settle it down again for a while. However one day one of the people at my work pointed out to me that one of my elbows was badly swollen. I took this to my doctor and as it turned out ended up seeing a different doctor from the usual. to cut a long story short he suspected RA and initiated tests to check this out. In the mean time He put me onto a fairly heavy dose of prednisone which brought the swelling in the elbow and some discomfort and minor swelling in other joints under control. When the results from blood tests and X ray came in they indicated that I had a high Rheumatoid factor accompanied with joint damage to a greater or lesser degree all over my body. (Mind you at this time I was still very active in the construction industry and was often engaged in a very physical capacity. As a result of the outcome of the tests I was referred to a Rheumatologist along with a folder full of joint x rays and test results. After an initial examination He informed me that we would start of by reducing the inflammation by using Prednisone ( Prednisone is a steroidal anti inflammatory that is widely used with inflammatory arthritis) prednisone is usually taken only every morning with food. Also a drug called Methotrexate once a week was prescribed. (Methotrexate is a disease modifying drug that interferes with the ability of the immune system to be able to produce the cells that cause the destructive inflammation that is at the root of RA). Methotrexate needs to be accompanied with folic acid taken daily, to protect you from liver damage. After about 6 month of this the amount of prednisone was reduced gradually until it was down to 5ml per day, ideally no prednisone is best. during the set ling down period I consulted my rheumatologist every 3 months and because I was taking Methotrexate I needed to have a blood test to keep an eye open for liver toxicity at first monthly which has now set led down to 3 monthly, these blood tests also check for inflammation, blood count sometimes RF and a couple of other things that I cant think of right now. In any case everything seemed to be under control except the elbow which was going from bad to worse, Another disease modifying drug was added by the name of Plaquenil to make further modifications to the immune system, however Alas I was too late to save the elbow so at a certain point I was referred to a orthopedic surgeon to have it replaced with a new metal one. That went well even though not quite as good as the real thing as it does have limits on what you can do with it. In any case I am 62 now and have been getting organized treatment for RA for about 6 years. I have to take a few different tablets in the mornings, one at night, and a blood test every 3 months, visit my rheumatologist every 6 months. Because of the drugs I take have to be more careful to stay out of the way of Infectious Diseases like flu. Believe me even if you did not have a problem with them before you will be far more susceptible to them wit a compromised immune system. Make flu shots part of the treatment. And keep an eye on your overall health as RA can affect many other organs in the body. Medicine can do great things to improve the quality of life However it is important also to maintain your own positive outlook as getting depressed about things that you can not change will cause stress, and emotional stress in my experience is one of the things that causes RA to flare. This is probably why more women suffer from it then men.

Answer 2

Medicines involved in the treatment of RA are used to

Relieve or reduce pain.

Improve daily function.

Reduce joint inflammation.

Prevent permanent damage to joints and other tisue.

and to generaly Improve the quality of life.

Rheumatologist may prescribe one of variety medications. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are medications used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Other medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

Here are some of the DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.

Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) is generally used in moderate to severe RA. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects of this drug, such as nausea and mouth ulcers. It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the standard DMARD against which other agents are compared.

Sulfasalazine

Leflunomide

Intramuscular gold injections of sodium aurothiomalate

Oral gold such as auranofin (e.g. Ridaura)

Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate (e.g. Plaquenil)

Penicillamine (e.g. D-Penamine)

Cyclosporin (e.g. Neoral and Sandimmun).

Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) Trials of combination therapy have shown positive results. A combination of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine is more effective than methotrexate alone. A combination of cyclosporin with methotrexate appears to be more effective than methotrexate alone.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed as pain killers.

COX-2 specific inhibitors The coxibs (e.g. celecoxib - brand name Celebrex) are also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Corticosteroids Corticosteroids, sometimes known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are powerful agents that work by reducing inflammatio

Biologic agents Recently, another category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF occurs naturally in the body and is a key player in the inflammation process in RA. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.

Answer 3

There are treatments to inhibit and to some extent control the damage done as a result of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders. However there is up to now no cure. For any one that suspects that they have RA it would be wise to seek medical advice as early as possible because the treatment is best begun before the onset of physical damage.

treatments used on RA (Rheumatoid arthritis)

The inflammation caused by RA results in damage to the joints. The main way to stop or at least reduce joint damage is by giving medications that suppress inflammation. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic

DMARDs

Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs

These can also be described as slow acting anti rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). These drugs suppress inflammation and may also retard the development of joint erosion's. The exact reason for their effectiveness is at this stage not well understood. Their effectiveness in their ability to slow the progression of erosion's is judged through the use of X-rays.

With DMARDs early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important in the aim of preventing joint deformity and disability. DMARDs take 6-8 weeks to achieve beneficial effects. Treatment with these drugs should be closely monitored. Regular blood and urine tests are often done to identify side effects and potential problems as soon as possible.

DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.

Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) may be used in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication can be taken orally or by intramuscular injection. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects such as nausea and mouth ulcers. Methotrexate It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in the fight against inflammation in RA.

Sulfasalazine such as Pyralin EN and Salazopyrin EN. These drugs while less potent, have fewer adverse side effects and are used in the treatment of mild RA. These however can still cause nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, rash and headaches. These side effects however are reduced once the maintenance dose is reached. It can also lead to severe anemia on occasion.

Leflunomide (e.g. Arava). Used for severe active RA that does to methotrexate. Leflunomide is as effective as methotrexate in the treatment of RA.

Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate such as Plaquenil are also used in the treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are less toxic than some of the other treatments. Plaquenil is often used in combination with other DMARDs.

Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) is used to treat only severe active RA that is unresponsive to other DMARDs. Because of high toxicity it is rarely used.

(NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These drugs are prescribed as pain killers. They may also reduce inflammation inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as RA. They have no effect on the progress of the disease but may relieve symptoms. ibuprofen such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen and naproxens such as Naprogesic are available without prescription. Drugs such as such as diclofenac, piroxicam, sulindac and indomethacin have to be prescribed by a doctor.

The use of NSAIDs is often limited because they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcer. They are not suitable for use by people who have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

COX-2 specific inhibitors

The coxibs (e.g. celecoxib - brand name Celebrex) These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain and are far gentler on the stomach than the conventional, older NSAIDs. Coxibs may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when taken in high doses. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are advised not to use these medications.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These agents are used in the treatment of RA, both as tablets and as injections into the joint. Prednisolone is sometimes used in moderate to severe RA where NSAIDs and DMARDs are not controlling the disease. Oral corticosteroids (those taken by mouth) are usually used at the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects such as weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis.

Corticosteroids may also be injected into joints if the arthritis is not being controlled through oral therapy, however this has to be limited to 3 to 4 injections a year. Joints commonly injected are fingers, toes, knees and shoulders. Corticosteroids are also sometimes injected into the muscles.

Biologic agents

A new category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF inhibitors occur naturally in the body and are key players in the process of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.

Infliximab (e.g. Remicade) is a TNF inhibitor available for the treatment of RA in selected patients. It slows the progression of RA and reduces joint damage. Inflixmab is given by infusion via a drip into a vein. Each treatment takes approximately 2 hours. It is given along with methotrexate. There are very tight Government restrictions In Australia on which patients with RA can obtain access to Remicade because of the expense involved.

Etanercept (e.g. Enbrel)

Humira (adalimumab),

You use plenty of heat, epsom salts are wonderful in a nice warm to hot bath (As tolerated) Also please use Advil, aleeve. As in all medication's please keep out of reach of children. new alert on any kind of ibuprofen.. Allergy alert... Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction especially in people allergic to aspirin

symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, Asthma (wheezing) shock, skin reddening, rash, blisters . If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical attention right away!

stomach bleeding warning: Advil contains a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you are 60 or older

All that being said they may help in certain cases in relieving pain or discomfort, However it is important to keep in mind that in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis you are dealing with an autoimmune disease and all the Epsom salts or hot water in the world is not going to cure the problem. this needs to be treated by a professionally trained person that is able to stop ongoing damage caused by the disease. The use of drugs for most illnesses may carry certain risks, however Gramass special Rheumatoid medcine never stopped her hands from becoming a horible gnarled mess before she died a miserable death. regardless of the goodold natural non invasive treatments that are available, usually at a price).

Each case is different depending on how severe and the patients tollerance to medicines used for treatments. I take Enbrel injections twice a week, 4 Methotrexate pills a week and 2 Folic Acid pills daily.

All of your Rheumatic diseases basically turn your immune system on your body. Methotrexate inhibits the activity of the immune system, in turn reducing inflammation. Since Methrotrexate is a folate antagonist that blocks folic acid activity, FolicAcid is prescribed in conjunction with Methrotrexate. Enbrelis a TNF blocker. TNF is a protein the body produces, it promotes the inflammation and its associated fever and signs such as pain, tenderness, and swelling.

At the moment the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is treated with anti inflammatory's such as prednezone and cellebrex As it iis a disease that involves the attack of the immune system on the body immunity inhibitors such as methablastin are also used with some success. If a person has R A it is important that they seek proper medical assistance as early as possible as damage is being done constantly if it is left untreated. we may not be able to cure it yet but we can reduce the devastating effects a lot compared to only a few years ago.

A: Feverfew

The pain in RA is the result of inflammation and eventually other damage that is done by the disease, so initially your best bet would be to try to bring the inflammation under control. this is done with a variety of drugs. if you have not yet done so you would do well to See a Rhumatologist to work out what treatment would best suit your particular situation. Only taking pain killers for a disease like RA may have disastrous consequences in the longrun.Stem cell research
There is some very promising research happening in GB, Australia and in the USA where stem cells are being used to create damaged tissue and bone to replace those that are damaged. In Australia that has reached a human testing stage after success in sheep.

Answer 4

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) - ibuprofen * Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD's) - gold compounds * Immuno-suppressants - methotrexate * Corticosteroids - prednisolone

Answer 5

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and aspirin are used to decrease inflammation and to treat pain. While these medications can be helpful, they do not interrupt the progress of the disease.

Answer 6

RA is a disease that is often accompanied by a high Rheumatoid factor (RF), however a person can have RA with no RF at all. When this happens it is described as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis".

RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks tissue It can cause joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function and disability of joints.

This type of arthritis is a long term chronic illness that can stay with people for many years or life.

Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of undetermined etiology involving primarily the synovial membranes and articular structures of multiple joints. The disease is often progressive and results in pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. In late stages deformity and ankylosis develop.

The symptomsInvolving joints, nerves and muscles of RA are as follows.

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Morning joint stiffness

Joint stiffness after inactivity

Joint tenderness

Warm joints

Ankle arthritis

Symmetrical joint pattern - both sides of the body afflicted.

Weight loss

Fatigue

Decreased appetite

Occasional fever

Bouts of mild fever

Episodic flares with remissions

Variable symptoms - different people experience different effects

Skin bumps (rheumatoid nodules) - about 25% of cases get these

Anemia

Neck pain

Dry eyes

Dry mouth

Tiredness

Afternoon fatigue

Joint involvement is typically polyarticular and symmetrical, (happens in more then one joint at a a time and often affects the same joints on opposite sides of the body.) usually sparing the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Joint involvement and inflammation is evinced by the following:

Edema

Effusion

Warmth

Tenderness to palpation

Destruction of joint in advanced stages

other symptoms may manifest themselves in the skin and other organs of the body.

Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules,

Swan-neck deformities,

Boutonniere deformities,

Ulnar deviation of fingers at MCP joints in advanced stages.

RA a is a systemic disease, that means its inflammation can affect other organs and areas of the body. RA can cause Inflammation of the glands, eyes and mouth the result being dryness of these areas, This is known as Sjogren's syndrome. Rheumatoid inflammation can also lead to pain in the chest with deep breathing. this is the result of inflammation of the lung lining, pleuritis.it can also lead to shortness of breath, or coughing. Lung tissue becoming inflamed can lead to them being scarred and coughing. rheumatoid nodules can sometimes develop in the lungs. Inflammation of the tissue (pericardium) surrounding the heart, called pericarditis, can cause a chest pain that typically changes in intensity when lying down or leaning forward. RA can also lead to anemia. Decreased white cells can be associated with an enlarged spleen (referred to as Felty's syndrome) and can increase the risk of infections. Rheumatoid nodules can occur under the skin around the elbows and fingers where there is frequent pressure. Even though these nodules usually do not cause symptoms, occasionally they can become infected. Nerves can become pinched in the wrists to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. A rare, serious complication, usually with long-standing rheumatoid disease, is blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Vasculitis can impair blood supply to tissues and lead to tissue death (necrosis). This is most often initially visible as tiny

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritisThere are treatments to inhibit and to some extent control the damage done as a result of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders. However there is up to now no cure. For any one that suspects that they have RA it would be wise to seek medical advice as early as possible because the treatment is best begun before the onset of physical damage.

treatments used on RA (Rheumatoid arthritis)

The inflammation caused by RA results in damage to the joints. The main way to stop or at least reduce joint damage is by giving medications that suppress inflammation. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic

DMARDs

Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs

These can also be described as slow acting anti rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). These drugs suppress inflammation and may also retard the development of joint erosion's. The exact reason for their effectiveness is at this stage not well understood. Their effectiveness in their ability to slow the progression of erosion's is judged through the use of X-rays.

With DMARDs early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important in the aim of preventing joint deformity and disability. DMARDs take 6-8 weeks to achieve beneficial effects. Treatment with these drugs should be closely monitored. Regular blood and urine tests are often done to identify side effects and potential problems as soon as possible.

DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.

Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) may be used in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication can be taken orally or by intramuscular injection. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects such as nausea and mouth ulcers. Methotrexate It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in the fight against inflammation in RA.

Sulfasalazine such as Pyralin EN and Salazopyrin EN. These drugs while less potent, have fewer adverse side effects and are used in the treatment of mild RA. These however can still cause nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, rash and headaches. These side effects however are reduced once the maintenance dose is reached. It can also lead to severe anemia on occasion.

Leflunomide (e.g. Arava). Used for severe active RA that does to methotrexate. Leflunomide is as effective as methotrexate in the treatment of RA.

Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate such as Plaquenil are also used in the treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are less toxic than some of the other treatments. Plaquenil is often used in combination with other DMARDs.

Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) is used to treat only severe active RA that is unresponsive to other DMARDs. Because of high toxicity it is rarely used.

(NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These drugs are prescribed as pain killers. They may also reduce inflammation inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as RA. They have no effect on the progress of the disease but may relieve symptoms. Ibuprofen such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen and naproxens such as Naprogesic are available without prescription. Drugs such as such as diclofenac, piroxicam, sulindac and indomethacin have to be prescribed by a doctor.

The use of NSAIDs is often limited because they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcer. They are not suitable for use by people who have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.

COX-2 specific inhibitors

The coxibs (e.g. celecoxib - brand name Celebrex) These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain and are far gentler on the stomach than the conventional, older NSAIDs. Coxibs may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when taken in high doses. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are advised not to use these medications.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These agents are used in the treatment of RA, both as tablets and as injections into the joint. Prednisolone is sometimes used in moderate to severe RA where NSAIDs and DMARDs are not controlling the disease. Oral corticosteroids (those taken by mouth) are usually used at the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects such as weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis.

Corticosteroids may also be injected into joints if the arthritis is not being controlled through oral therapy, however this has to be limited to 3 to 4 injections a year. Joints commonly injected are fingers, toes, knees and shoulders. Corticosteroids are also sometimes injected into the muscles.

Biologic agents

A new category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF inhibitors occur naturally in the body and are key players in the process of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.

Infliximab (e.g. Remicade) is a TNF inhibitor available for the treatment of RA in selected patients. It slows the progression of RA and reduces joint damage. Inflixmab is given by infusion via a drip into a vein. Each treatment takes approximately 2 hours. It is given along with methotrexate. There are very tight Government restrictions In Australia on which patients with RA can obtain access to Remicade because of the expense involved.

Etanercept (e.g. Enbrel)

Humira (adalimumab),

You use plenty of heat, epsom salts are wonderful in a nice warm to hot bath (As tolerated) Also please use Advil, aleeve. As in all medication's please keep out of reach of children. new alert on any kind of ibuprofen.. Allergy alert... Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction especially in people allergic to aspirin

symptoms may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing) shock, skin reddening, rash, blisters . If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical attention right away!

stomach bleeding warning: Advil contains a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you are 60 or older

All that being said they may help in certain cases in relieving pain or discomfort, However it is important to keep in mind that in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis you are dealing with an autoimmune disease and all the Epsom salts or hot water in the world is not going to cure the problem. this needs to be treated by a professionally trained person that is able to stop ongoing damage caused by the disease. The use of drugs for most illnesses may carry certain risks, however Gramass special Rheumatoid medcine never stopped her hands from becoming a horible gnarled mess before she died a miserable death. regardless of the good old natural non invasive treatments that are available, usually at a good old price).

Each case is different depending on severity and the patients tolerance to medicines used for treatments. I take Enbrel injections twice a week, 4 Methotrexate pills a week and 2 Folic Acid pills daily.

All of your Rheumatic diseases basically turn your immune system on your body. Methotrexate inhibits the activity of the immune system, in turn reducing inflammation. Since Methrotrexate is a folate antagonist that blocks folic acid activity, Folic Acid is prescribed in conjunction with Methrotrexate. Enbrel is a TNF blocker. TNF is a protein the body produces, it promotes the inflammation and its associated fever and signs such as pain, tenderness, and swelling.

At the moment the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is treated with anti inflammatory's such as prednezone and cellebrex As it iis a disease that involves the attack of the immune system on the body immunity inhibitors such as methablastin are also used with some success. If a person has R A it is important that they seek proper medical assistance as early as possible as damage is being done constantly if it is left untreated. we may not be able to cure it yet but we can reduce the devastating effects a lot compared to only a few years ago.

The pain in RA is the result of inflammation and eventually other damage that is done by the disease, so initially your best bet would be to try to bring the inflammation under control. this is done with a variety of drugs. if you have not yet done so you would do well to See a Rhumatologist to work out what treatment would best suit your particular situation. Only taking pain killers for a disease like RA may have disastrous consequences in the long-run. Stem cell research

There is some very promising research happening in GB, Australia and in the USA where stem cells are being used to create damaged tissue and bone to replace those that are damaged. In Australia that has reached a human testing stage after success in sheep.

Answer 7

Unfortunately there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a variety of medications exist to help control inflammation, reduce pain, and slow or stop the progression of joint destruction.

Nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over the counter options include ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), while prescription options include medications like celecoxib (Celebrex).

For more severe cases, or for use during a flare, doctors may also recommend the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone. These medications can be taken orally or given as injections directly into inflamed joints.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work to slow the progression of RA and prevent long-term joint damage by suppressing overactive immune response. Examples include methotrexate (Trexall), leflunomide (Arava), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).

Biologic response modifiers are genetically engineered medications designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that play an essential role in inflammation. These medications must be injected under the skin or given as an infusion directly into a vein. Examples include entranercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira).

JAK inhibitors, like tofacitinib (Xeljanz), are a relatively new RA treatment option. Like biologics, JAK inhibitors function by blocking certain pathways in the body's immune response. However, unlike biologics, this medication can be taken orally.

Not every RA treatment works for every person with RA, so it is important for each patient to work closely with their rheumatologist to determine the best combination of medications.

Answer 8

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a variety of medications do exist to help control symptoms. It is important to work with a rheumatologist to choose the right combination of medications for your condition. Nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over the counter options include ibuprofen and naproxen, while stronger NSAIDs will require a prescription. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can be used orally or given as injections directly into inflamed joints. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate and plaquenil, work to slow the progression of RA and prevent permanent damage to joints by suppressing the body’s immune response. Biologic medications are genetically engineered proteins designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system. These medications are usually prescribed in RA cases that are more severe and when other medications have failed. In addition to medications, moderate physical activity (possibly including physical or occupational therapy), a healthy diet, and maintaining mental health can be important factors for patients living with RA.