A drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that acts more slowly but more effectively than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Such drugs include hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.
Within the realm of pharmaceuticals, there exists a category of antirheumatic medications encompassing chloroquine, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and gold compounds. These specific drugs possess the remarkable ability to not only alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease but also directly impact the underlying pathological processes.
A category of medications called DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) is utilized in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs include certain antimalarial medications, anticancer agents, and immunosuppressants, which are employed for managing the condition. Examples of DMARDs encompass sulfasalazine, chloroquine, methotrexate, gold compounds (like auranofin), and penicillamine.
DMARDs have a dual benefit: they not only alleviate the symptoms and signs of inflammatory joint disease but also slow down the progression of the illness. In contrast, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only provide relief from symptoms without affecting the disease’s course. Some DMARDs have cytotoxic properties, meaning they can eliminate rapidly dividing cells. Gold compounds and penicillamine may hinder the immune system’s production of specialized proteins known as antibodies, which contribute to joint damage. On the other hand, sulfasalazine interferes with various inflammatory processes in the body, while chloroquine suppresses the effects of arthritis.
Typically, it may take several months of DMARD usage before experiencing the complete benefits. Due to this, specialists often advise initiating therapy at an early stage to prevent or delay joint damage progression. Combining multiple DMARDs in treatment can potentially enhance effectiveness compared to using a single drug. Furthermore, this approach allows for lower doses of each medication, minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
The potential side effects of DMARDs vary depending on the specific drug taken. They may encompass diarrhea, rash, anemia (a decrease in the oxygen-carrying pigment called hemoglobin in the blood), leukopenia (a low white blood cell count), and an increased susceptibility to infections. To closely monitor the impact of DMARDs on the bone marrow, kidneys, and liver, regular blood tests and urine tests are essential during the course of treatment.