What medicine should be taken for rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Medications for rheumatoid arthritis firstly include some anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly used are non-steroidal pain relievers such as Diclofenac Sodium Sustained Release Tablets and the like. The second, and most important, are what we call slow-acting drugs, which are often immunosuppressants, commonly used ones include Methotrexate, Leflunomide Tablets and the like. If the patient does not respond well to conventional oral medications, we can also use biologic treatments. Before using biologics, we need to strictly rule out hepatitis, tuberculosis, tumors, and some common infections. Commonly used biologics include tumor necrosis factor antagonists and similar drugs. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Is hot compress useful for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis during the acute flare-up phase makes heat application useless; it might even exacerbate the symptoms of joint pain. Normally in daily life, applying heat to the affected joints can assist in treatment. However, during the acute flare-up phase of rheumatoid arthritis, the main symptoms are migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. Cold application may help alleviate the pain, but heat should definitely not be applied during the acute phase. The development of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infections. Therefore, penicillin antibiotics are generally used for anti-infection treatment. During the acute phase, it is common to also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or meloxicam, to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What is the best medicine to take for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical manifestation of rheumatic fever, which is a delayed sequelae that occurs after infection with streptococci. The most common symptoms include fever, arthritis, rheumatic heart disease, subcutaneous nodules, or marginal erythema. It mainly occurs in adolescents and is most commonly triggered by cold weather and damp environments. In cases showing joint symptoms, the first choice of medication is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, it is crucial to actively treat the primary disease, which means eliminating the causative factor by eradicating the streptococcal infection. Eradication of the streptococcal infection involves the use of long-acting penicillin, and it is necessary to complete the treatment course of two weeks. Moreover, appropriate rest during the acute phase and avoiding exertion is needed. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is an inflammatory connective tissue disease caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is primarily characterized by migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs and may also present with fever, rash, erythema annulare, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and carditis. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the major joints such as the hands, knees, shoulders, and lumbar spine, often without migratory symptoms. This condition is a degenerative change, primarily seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The treatment of this disease mainly includes calcium supplementation, keeping the joints warm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that improve the condition, mainly glucosamine sulfate and diacerein.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Do you need to take X-rays for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis requires imaging, especially of the affected joints. It is typically necessary to do this routinely. The main purpose is to check for any bone damage, primarily to differentiate it from rheumatoid arthritis. Because rheumatoid arthritis generally does not leave joint deformities, while rheumatoid arthritis, if not treated properly, can lead to bone destruction and in severe cases, joint fusion. In addition to imaging, rheumatoid arthritis also requires complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, anti-streptolysin O, and echocardiography among other tests to comprehensively assess the condition and determine the treatment plan.