The American College of Rheumatology suggests certain goals in managing rheumatoid
arthritis (RA). They are reducing pain and stiffness, preventing or controlling
joint damage, and maintaining joint function. Your rheumatologist should be familiar
with the approaches used to help reach these goals, including medications.
Treatment options are available.
A number of RA remedies and approaches can help with these goals, including physical
and occupational therapy, exercise, and medications.
Some of these medications are used for the purpose of pain relief only (analgesics)
and others are used to reduce joint inflammation (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, or NSAIDs, and corticosteroids).
One class of prescription medicines used to treat RA are called DMARDs or Disease-Modifying
Antirheumatic Drugs. For people with moderately to severely active RA, biologic
DMARDs (biologics) may be an option. Biologics are used to treat the pain and swelling
of RA, but may also help prevent joint damage.
To learn about a treatment option for moderate to severe RA, click below.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the various treatment options.
Discuss potential side effects associated with any medication you are taking or
considering. To determine the most appropriate drug therapy, these medications should
be used under the supervision of a health care professional.