Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the body. It's a chronic --life-long--disease that has no cure. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints and symptoms such as joint pain and joint stiffness. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center reports that the goal of treatment is to prevent joint deformity, minimize joint damage, reduce pain and improve quality of life. These goals may be achieved with physical and occupational therapy, surgery and/or medications.
Types
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that rheumatoid arthritis is treated with four main classes of drugs. They are the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, like methotrexate. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are also used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug; azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication.
Mechanism
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances that stimulate inflammation and pain in the body. Corticosteroids help treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation in the body. They do this by suppressing the immune system. Immunosuppressive drugs and corticosteroids work in the same way, but immunosuppressants have a stronger influence over the immune system. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs slow the rate at which rheumatic arthritis progresses.
Side Effects
MayoClinic.com reports that drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis have potentially serious side effects. Corticosteroids can cause weight gain, easily bruised skin and thinning bones. Immunosuppressants may increase a person's susceptibility to infections while NSAIDs can affect the stomach. Stomach ulcers and bleeding in the stomach are possible side effects of NSAIDs. Side effects of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may include lung inflammation, liver damage and bone marrow suppression.
Onset of Action
Drugs used to treat rheumatic arthritis begin to work at different rates. According to The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, NSAIDs begin to work within hours of administration. Immunosuppressive drugs and need weeks or months to start working. Corticosteroid drugs mimic the action of the natural corticosteroid produced in the body.
Warning
Some of the drugs used to treat rheumatic arthritis may have toxic effects on the body. Because of this, "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis," by John Clough, recommends that they be taken exactly as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Rheumatoid Arthritis- Treatment and Drugs
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- The Johns Hopkin's Arthritis Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
- "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis"; John Clough; 2009
