Although there is no actual treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (abbreviated as RA) to this day, there are a number of available drugs in the market that are meant 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, otherwise known as NSAIDs, work as an anti-inflammatory and in pain relief, but don't function to protect the joints from further damage. These drugs block the body from producing a substance called prostaglandins, which which sets off inflammation & pain.
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 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), triamcinolone (Aristocort), dexamethasone (Decadron), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), are some of the most common corticosteroids.
Even though corticosteroids may be successful in RA treatment, they are known to cause severe side effects if used in extended periods of time. Examples of these side effects include easy bruising, cataracts, glaucoma, thinning bones, diabetes, and excessive weight gain.
On account of their potential to develop severe side effects, such medications are often only used as a temporary solution to treat sudden outbreaks of RA. On the plus side, a single corticosteroid injection can inhabit inflammation of the joint for prolonged periods.
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (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 commonly causes permanent damage to the joints, which appears in the early stages of the diseases. For this reason, the majority of doctors would recommend DMARDs soon after an RA diagnosis. Individuals are most receptive to DMARD treatment in the initial stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The earlier the drug is taken, the more advantageous it is for the RA patient.
Examples of DMARDs are cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), gold salts (Solganal, Myochrysine, Ridaura, Aurolate), penicillamine (Cuprimine), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), minocycline, and leflunomide (Arava).
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 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, also known as biological drugs, function to lessen inflammation via a range of ways.
An example of how biological drugs work is by inhibiting tumor necrosis factors (TNFs). Adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and etanercept (Enbrel) are some TNF blockers.
One other method of how biological agents control inflammation is through killing B cells. Rituxan (Rituximab), for example, binds itself to B cells, ultimately killing them.
Further drugs that alleviate inflammation in 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 of these biological agents has its own potential for side effects. The potential for side effects must be considered when recommending it to someone.
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
Finally, a variety of pain relief medications may likewise be used to treat RA. Some pain relief drugs are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and tramadol (Ultram).
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 the drugs previously listed do not produce results, your doctor may possibly recommend surgery. Some surgical procedures meant to treat RA are tendon repair, synovectomy (removal of the joint lining), and joint replacement surgery (i.e. arthroplasty), in which the damaged joint areas are replaced with prosthetics.By: Amy ClarkArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comTo grab your Free Arthritis Relief Guide, and to read more articles related to Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications, please visit this arthritis website.