Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment with a Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drug - DMARDsResearchers have found that patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who receive an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs).

RA In-depth

How Serious Is RA?

Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Glossary

articular cartilage (ar’ tick yoo lar’ cart’ ill idge): a thin layer of tissue, usually glassy and transparent, on the surfaces of bones in joints that permit more or less free movement, called synovial joints, for example, the wrist joint.

biologic DMARDs (bio' logic dee' mards): medicines classified as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, that are among the most recent RA treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They include the anti-TNF agents Enbrel® (etanercept), Remicade® (infliximab), and HUMIRA™ (adalimumab).

DMARDs (dee' mards): an abbreviation for medicines classified as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, which can improve inflammatory symptoms and/or slow progression of joint erosions.

humerus (hyoo' mer uhs): the bone of the upper arm extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

joint capsule: the sac-like envelope that encloses the cavity of the synovial joint by attaching each end of the bones in a joint; it consists of a fibrous membrane and a synovial membrane. Also called the synovial capsule.

radius (ray' dee us): the shorter and thicker of the 2 bones in the forearm; it is located on the same side as the thumb.

synovial tissue (sin o' vee uhl): the synovial tissue lines the joints and produces synovial fluid, which is a clear fluid that nourishes and lubricates the cartilage and bone in the joint.

ulna: the larger of the 2 bones in the forearm; it is located opposite from the thumb.

REASONS FOR HOPE: GETTING AGGRESSIVE WITH CURRENT THERAPIES
Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious disease, there are many reasons for hope among patients who have it. Because the onset of RA is usually gradual, patients have time to work with their doctors to decide which treatments are best for them.

Manage RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Also, researchers have found that patients who receive an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including the biologic DMARDs, are more likely to improve their health-related quality of life while reducing disease activity

THE STAGES OF RA

Synovitis-inflammation of the synovial membrane-occurs when white blood cells travel to the membrane, which is responsible for producing synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish joint tissues. This inflammation causes symptoms such as warmth, redness, swelling, and pain.

The cells of the inflamed synovial membrane grow and divide abnormally, causing it to become abnormally thick and the joint to become swollen.

Joint destruction occurs as these cells invade and destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint, as well as the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and stabilize the joint.

Eventually, the joint will be weakened until it no longer works normally.

Joint deformity occurs when so much cartilage and bone have been destroyed; muscles and tendons become shortened and ligaments are weakened.

and inhibiting structural damage. According to experts at the American College of Rheumatology, "successful treatment to limit joint damage and functional loss requires early diagnosis and timely initiation of disease-modifying agents."

Several traditional and biologic DMARDs are available now, and there are promising new treatments in development. Because of this, seeing a specialist such as a rheumatologist for an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment has become increasingly important. (Ask your primary care physician for a referral. Your primary care physician plays an important role in your general health. A rheumatologist is the physician who specializes in arthritis.)

Early use of appropriate medicines improves the likelihood that people with RA can manage their symptoms and help inhibit or limit joint damage. Effective treatments are allowing people with RA to lead active and productive lives.

05C-64S-J010-17

"HOW SERIOUS IS RA?"

Legal Notices/Privacy Policy. Copyright 2005 Abbott Laboratories. Abbott Park, Illinois, U.S.A.
If you have any questions about Abbott Laboratories' ra.com Web site that have not been answered click here.

The health information contained herein is intended for use by United States residents only and is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider and consider the unique characteristics of each patient.