What are different types of rheumatoid arthritis drugs?
rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and incurable state in which the immune system of the body attacks joints and sometimes organs. There are four general types of rheumatoid arthritis drugs: analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids and anti-rheumatic drugs modifying (DMARD). These rheumatoid arthritis drugs are often prescribed together to provide the patient with maximum relief. Each type of drug has its own side effects, some of which are quite serious.
Analgesics are used to reduce mild to medium levels of pain and are available with over -the -counter and prescription. Acetaminofen, sold as Tylenol®, can be purchased without a prescription. The side effects are unusual, but the use of too much of this drug can cause liver damage. The analgesics of the regulation include tramadol and oxycodone. Side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and increased sweating.
nsaids Aznova is used to reduce swellingand pain. They are available to an over -the -counter or with a prescription. Ibuprofen, sold as Advil® and Motrin®, can be purchased without a prescription. Invalid effects may include abdominal cramps, dizziness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, ulcers and increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and stroke. Celecoxib and Diclofenac sodium, sold as Celebrex® and Voltaren®, require prescription. The side effects of sodium diclofenac are essentially the same as the effects that can be seen in the use of over -the -counter rheumatoid arthritis; The side effects of cecoxib may include a serious response of the skin, digestion, diarrhea or stomach pain.
glucocorticoids are a type of steroid that reduces inflammation and blocks some immune responses. This category of rheumatoid arthritis drugs is to reduce pain and slow, or event stop, joint damage and is only available with a prescription. Can be administered as injections or in the form of pills. Betamethasone, sold as Celestone®, and Prednisone, sold as deltasone®, should only be taken for a short time because both have extensive side effects. These drugs can cause bruises, cataracts, elevated cholesterol, arterial hardening, high blood pressure fluctuations, weakness, osteoporosis, infection and increased appetite.
Dmards reduces inflammation and damage to the joints by disturbing immune cells production. These drugs usually begin within three months of receiving the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and can weaken the immune system, increasing users more susceptible to infections. It may take up to six months after the start of DMARDS before patients see any improvement in their condition. There are two classes of DMARD: biological and oral.
Biological dmards are given by injection and may be ahead. The abatacept, sold as Oncence®, Etanercept, is launched as Enbrel®, Infliximab, sold as Remicade® and Rituximab, available under Rituxan®, Biological DMARD. They canbe used along with NSAID or glucocorticoids. Side effects may include chest pain, abdominal pain, headache, cough or redness and pain at the injection site. The long -term effect of this class of rheumatoid arthritis drugs is unknown.
oral dmards are obtained with a prescription. They are provided in the form of a pill. Cyclosporin, the trade name Sandimmune®, methotrexate, sold as Rheumatrex® and Auranofin, sold as Ridaura®, are oral dmards. Potential side effects may include low blood, metallic taste in the mouth, skin rash, high blood pressure, headaches, kidney problems, chills, fever, jar problems and light sensitivity.