Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease that typically affects women and men between 40 and 60 years of age, says the Mayo Clinic. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include morning stiffness, joint pain, joint swelling and joint tenderness. Severe joint damage can occur if rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated. A variety of medications are available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Azathioprine
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant medication used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, says MedlinePlus. This medication is also prescribed for prevention of kidney transplant rejection.
Azathioprine's common side effects include diarrhea, muscle aches, vomiting and nausea. These side effects should last no longer than one week. Azathioprine's serious side effects include a cough, loss of appetite, mouth sores, a rash, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes and fatigue. Pain on the upper right side of the stomach, blurry vision and flu-like symptoms are other serious side effects of azathioprine. Call a doctor when azathioprine causes these serious effects. A change in the dosage or a discontinuation of this medication may be necessary.
Taking azathioprine while taking such drugs as quinapril, ramipril, fosinopril, mefloquine, cyclosporine or proguanil may lead to drug interactions. Tell a physician if you take these or any other medications.
Azathioprine is a tablet generally taken two times a day.
Etanercept
Etanercept belongs to the class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medications. It works to inhibit TNF, the substance that actually leads to inflammation, says MedlinePlus. Etanercept is also used to treat psoriatic (of the skin) arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (joint disorder affecting children less than 16 years old), ankylosing spondylitis (joint disorder of the pelvic and spinal region) and chronic plaque psoriasis (a serious skin disorder).
Etanercept's common effects include a headache, nausea, stomach pain, a cough, weakness, heartburn and weakness. This drug can also cause swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. These symptoms should resolve within three to seven days. However, phone a physician if these symptoms last for a longer period.
Etanercept's serious effects include bruising, bleeding, seizures, visual problems, trouble breathing, dizziness, numbness or tingling and skin blistering. Also, this medication can increase the risk of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system). In some cases, etanercept can reduce the body's ability to defend against infection.
Etanercept is an injection that is typically injected one or two times a week, according to MedlinePlus.
Anakinra
Anakinra is a medication used to manage moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, says Drugs.com. Nausea, diarrhea, sinus infections or irritation, a headache and redness, bruising, swelling or pain at the injection site are anakinra's common side effects. These side effects should subside within a week. An allergic reaction to anakinra may lead to difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the throat. Go to the emergency room when this potentially life-threatening emergency develops.
Taking anakinra with medications such as etanercept, adalimunab and inflixumab may require changes in anakinra's dose because serious drug interactions can result.
Anakinra is an injection given daily.
