Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition in which the joints no longer function properly. In this condition, the joints are swollen and trigger moderate to severe pain while performing day-to-day activities. Unlike other type of arthritis that are usually diagnosed after the age of 60, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the youngsters. This is because, rheumatoid arthritis is not caused due to wear and tear of joints but is the result of immune system invading joint tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis medications prescribed are formulated to suppress the immune system. This works to alleviate joint pain and inflammation. For best results, the oral medical treatment should be supplemented with a rheumatoid arthritis diet.

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
Popularly known as DMARDs, these drugs are often the first choice to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This is because they target the underlying cause and put 'speed breakers' in the progression of the disease. Thus, the rate at which rheumatoid arthritis advances is reduced with intake of DMARDs. These medications try to stop the immune system from attacking the joint tissues, responsible for causing inflammation and pain. Once, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, the patient is immediately put on DMARDs to minimize deterioration of joints. Some of them helpful to treat rheumatoid arthritis are as follows:

• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• Minocycline (Dynacin)
• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Leflunomide (Arava)
• Abatacept (Orencia)
• Anakinra (Kineret)
• Rituximab (Rituxan)

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Commonly referred as NSAIDs, these medicines may also be prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Use of NSAIDS is often recommended as they not only alleviate the discomfort but also reduce the inflammation. Thus, both the swelling and pain decreases with intake of NSAIDs, some of which are given below:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin)
• Naproxen (Anaprox)
• Aspirin
• Tolmetin (Tolectin)
• Indomethacin (Indocin)
• Diclofenac (Arthrotec)
• Nabumetone (Relafen)

Corticosteroids
This is yet another class of medicines that may be prescribed to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Corticosteroid medicines help to control the hyperactive immune system. The medications decrease the amount of inflammatory chemicals that are being produced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This not only promotes reduction in swelling but also slows down the process of joint damage. RA patients are given the following corticosteroids:

• Methylprednisolone
• Prednisone

Immunosuppressants
Besides DMARDs, the doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants, medications that order the immune system to 'behave' properly. As we all know, the immune system goes haywire in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunosuppressants reduce the strength and efficacy of the immune system. This immunosuppression effect helps to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Cyclosporine (Neoral)
• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

TNF-alpha Inhibitors
White blood cells considered to be the soldiers of the body produce a type of protein, known as TNF alpha which strengthens the immune system to combat infections and diseases. However, this same protein harms the body when it is produced in surplus amounts. Too much production of TNF alpha makes the immune system attack its own body. To be more precise, the healthy tissues of the joints fall prey to immune system, giving rise to rheumatoid arthritis. In order to reduce the inflammatory effect of these proteins, TNF-alpha inhibitors given below may be prescribed.

• Adalimumab (Humira)
• Infliximab (Remicade)
• Etanercept (Enbrel)

Side Effects

DMARDs and immunosuppressants do help to slow the rate of joint deterioration in rheumatoid arthritis but they increase the risk of infections. This happens because these medicine depress the immune system, thus making it less effective to fight infections. Some of the serious side effects linked with intake of DMARDs are liver problems and lung infections. On the other hand, NSAIDs make a person susceptible to stomach problems such as ulcers. TNF-alpha inhibitors produce side effects that may manifest in the form of heart problems and lymphoma.

New RA Drugs

With numerous complaints being reported about side effects associated with NSAIDs, new type of NSAIDs have been developed. This new group of drugs are far more effective than the old ones but more importantly their side effects are well tolerable. Now, studies show that in rheumatoid arthritis, enzymes COX -1 and COX -2 become hyperactive and produce certain chemicals in excess, which is responsible for joint inflammation. However, if the activity of both COX -1 and COX -2 enzyme is blocked, it can lead to the development of stomach ulcers. However, the new class of NSAIDs, only interfere with COX -2 enzyme function, which helps to reduce the impact of side effects. Following are the new RA drugs that only restrict COX -2 enzyme activity:

• Celebrex (Celecoxib)
• Bextra (Valdecoxib)
• Vioxx (Rofecoxib)

RA Medicines and Pregnancy

Unfortunately the aforementioned medicines and pregnancy do not go well together. The developing baby's health is a cause of great concern, considering the adverse side effects of RA medicines. So, it is advised that RA drugs should be stopped completely several months before deciding to get pregnant.

Keep in mind, these medicines do not cure rheumatoid arthritis. They help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis from reaching the advanced stage. The drugs are formulated to protect the joints from damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from RA drugs, lifestyle modifications like following an exercise routine such as walking and swimming is important to prevent it from worsening. These light rheumatoid arthritis exercises improve the flexibility and strength of the joints, thus helping to cope up with rheumatoid arthritis in a better way.