Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a disease that affects the joints and bones of those afflicted. Swelling and warmth are normal symptoms, and aches in the joints are the most common problem experienced by those with RA.
If you’re looking for the top treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, we’ve rounded up some of the most common treatments here. Remember, however, that there is no cure for RA, though there are ways to soften the symptoms.
Top Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
Steroids
If your RA symptoms are severe, your doctor could prescribe you steroids. Corticosteroid medicines like prednisone have been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the rate at which joints become damaged by arthritis.
Doctors don’t prescribe steroids in all cases. There are side effects that could occur, like weight gain and the thinning of bones, that are of notable concern. Generally, steroids are prescribed for short-term use, tapering off as the most severe symptoms abate.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment for arthritis. These drugs are usually available for inexpensive prices and can be picked up in any drugstore. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, can be taken daily for normal aches and pains. They’re generally not dangerous as long as you take them only as directed.
While NSAIDs can have negative effects on the liver over long periods of time, they’re generally considered pretty safe. Speak with your doctor about taking over-the-counter NSAIDs if you’re worried about their potential long-term effects on your health.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a form of medicine that can slow the progress of RA. These medicines tend to prevent joint damage by slowing the progress of the disease considerably. DMARDs are not available over the counter and have to be prescribed.
Common DMARDs, like leflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazine are prescribed in some cases. Doctors have to keep the side effects of these medicines in mind when they prescribe them. Their side effects can include bone marrow suppression, severe lung infections and liver damage. These potential side effects must be weighed against the severity of RA that the patient is dealing with,
A newer form of DMARDs, called biologic agents, have become more prevalent in recent years. These drugs work by targeting the parts of the immune system that cause the inflammation of joints. Biologic agents also have side effects that include increasing the risk of infection, since they target the body’s own immune system.