Rheumatoid arthritis medications are a true godsend for people suffering from symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of arthritis that is characterized by the inflammation of the synovial joints. The synovial joints are considered to be the most movable and the most common type of joint in the body. The inflammation of these joints can lead to the destruction of the articular cartilage and immobility.
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The condition can be a very painful ordeal for patients but fortunately, there are a now a number of medications that can be used for treatment. Listed below are the most common
rheumatoid arthritis medications available in the market today.
Leflunomide
Leflunomide targets the immune system to help reduce inflammation and swelling of the affected area. The drug helps prevent joint damage and improves mobility. Aside from reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Leflunomide also helps slow the progression of the condition. The drug however, may have adverse effects on the liver and patients taking the medication need to have regular blood tests to detect any harmful side effects.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is very effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in fingers, such as pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. Like Leflunomide, this drug may also have adverse effects on the liver. Hence, regular blood tests need to be taken as well.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine reduces the inflammation in the joints. However, the medication has a number of contraindications and side effects so it is very important that you take them under the watchful eye of a medical professional. The drug is also used to treat other types of arthritis.
Hydroxychloroquine
Although Hydroxychloroquine was originally manufactured to treat malaria, it is now considered to be one of the most common medications out in the market today. Hydroxychloroquine acts by inhibiting certain cells that are responsible for causing the immune system to respond which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. The drug may have adverse effects on the retina. Hence, patients need to have regular eye check-ups to prevent any harmful side effects.
D-Penicillamine
Penicillanime suppresses the immune system, decreasing inflammation reaction in the body. The drug is also capable of binding with metals in the blood stream and taking them completely out of the body. Patients taking this medication must have regular urine exams and blood tests to determine if the medication is having adverse effects on the kidney and blood cells.
Azathioprine
Like the other medications mentioned above, Azathioprine is also capable of suppressing the body's immune system, more specifically the cells that can cause the
immune system to response and lead to rheumatoid arthritis. However, the drug can also interfere with the production of other types of cells in the immune system which can lead to further complications. Because of this, Azathioprine is considered as a last resort for treatment and should be used only for severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine was originally developed to help suppress the immune system and prevent autoimmune complications during organ and bone marrow transplantations. And just like many of the
rheumatoid arthritis medications, it can also produce adverse effects, particularly on the patient's blood pressure. Hence, this will require constant monitoring as well.Although the choices for rheumatoid arthritis medications are aplenty and easily available in the market, always remember to take these medications under the watchful eye of a medical professional for safety. Also, get proper diagnosis first before looking for the right treatment.