

RA patients taking DMARDs must be alert to signs of infection and maintain healthy habits as preventive measures. Patients taking DMARDs may be more susceptible to infections as these drugs can weaken their immune systems. There are others commonly used like leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine, which are often prescribed to RA patients.

One of the most commonly known DMARDs is methotrexate. Some patients may find that DMARDs take up to six months to start working. Most frequently, DMARDs work effectively on patients if taken during the first few months of diagnosis. DMARDsĭMARDs modify the course of RA by interrupting the immune attacks that cause the inflammation in the joint tissue. Many patients respond well to taking NSAIDs, though they are a short term solution and aren’t meant to control disease course. Some patients may respond differently to these types of medications and can potentially experience side effects in their liver and stomach. There are some additional NSAIDs that are available over-the-counter or through a doctor’s prescription. The two most common types of NSAIDs are ibuprofen and naproxen, which are well-known and commonly available by the brand names of Advil and Aleve, respectively. This is crucial for allowing patients to maintain their quality of life. If swelling is reduced, it ultimately alleviates pain as well. NSAIDs are used to ease the swelling symptoms RA patients feel. Some of these drug types can be used in conjunction with each other, while others are only pursued when certain RA medications fail to work. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).There are many different types of RA medications including (but not limited to):

RA medications have greatly evolved over time as a result of the ongoing need for treating these patients and their varying symptoms.
