Drug Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Drug treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aim to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and stiffness, and slow down the progression of the disease. There are several types of medications that are commonly used to treat RA:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications slow down the progression of RA and prevent joint damage. Methotrexate is one of the most commonly used DMARDs.
3. Biologic response modifiers (biologics): These drugs target specific proteins that contribute to inflammation in RA. They include drugs such as adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab.
4. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors): These drugs block the activity of enzymes involved in the immune response that contribute to RA inflammation. Tofacitinib is a JAK inhibitor used to treat RA.
5. Glucocorticoids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can quickly reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They can be given orally or injected directly into the affected joint.

It is important to note that some of these medications may have side effects and risks, so they should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Treatment may also involve a combination of medications to effectively manage RA symptoms.