What medicine is taken for rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 24, 2024

00:00

00:00

The medication for rheumatoid arthritis mainly falls into three categories,

The first category is the choice of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, which mainly includes two types: non-steroidal analgesics and low doses of corticosteroids. If the patient's pain symptoms are mild, non-steroidal analgesics can be opted for. However, if the patient's pain symptoms are more severe, and there is significant liver or kidney damage, or concurrent interstitial lung disease, then the use of low doses of corticosteroids should be considered.

The second and most important category is the choice of immunosuppressants, which include drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide.

The third category is the treatment with biologic agents.

(Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor)

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

52sec

home-news-image

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs at what age?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pain in multiple joints throughout the body. The causes of the disease are not yet clear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. The main pathological basis of the disease is synovitis. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 35 and 50, and is more prevalent in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in women than in men. Additionally, this disease can lead to disability and loss of work capacity. Therefore, early diagnosis and standard treatment are crucial. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain the disease in a stable state.

home-news-image

Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

53sec

home-news-image

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease and is a chronic autoimmune condition that is destructive to joints. It is primarily characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, with clinical manifestations varying significantly among individuals. Most cases begin gradually, initially presenting with symmetrical pain and swelling in the wrists. This often accompanies morning stiffness, fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle pain, or weight loss. In a minority of cases, the onset is more abrupt, with typical clinical manifestations appearing within a few days, including joint dysfunction, morning stiffness, and joint pain and swelling. Joint deformity is a later manifestation of the disease, indicating that the disease was not well-controlled, leading to joint damage.

home-news-image

Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 36sec

home-news-image

The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

In everyday life, many patients confuse osteoarthritis with rheumatoid arthritis, but these two diseases are indeed very distinct. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis is mostly caused by hyperplastic arthritis due to trauma or, in some cases, osteoarthritis resulting from overuse, The characteristic of osteoarthritic pain is that it is related to activity. The more a joint affected by arthritis moves, and the greater the overuse, the more severe the pain becomes. When resting, the pain in that joint will decrease, However, rheumatoid arthritis is different and has clear distinctions from osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the small joints of the limbs, usually occurs symmetrically, and rarely affects only one limb. Once it occurs, it generally affects other parts too, appearing in both hands or both feet. These small joints are usually the first to be affected, with symptoms presenting symmetrically, and there is significant morning stiffness; that is, joints are stiff in the morning, Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain at rest or pain during inactivity, and nocturnal pain does not necessarily correlate with activity. Sometimes, pain may intensify after rest or during the night, and sometimes, physical activity may actually alleviate the pain. Thus, this symptom is a primary distinguishing feature from osteoarthritis. Understanding these points, the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can basically be mastered.

home-news-image

Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

50sec

home-news-image

Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Rheumatoid arthritis damages joints and bones, displaying as symmetrical polyarthritis. It is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can only be managed through medication to control disease progression. The primary symptoms include symmetrical pain and swelling in multiple joints, particularly in both wrists, therefore it is invariably associated with pain. Some individuals may also experience joint swelling accompanied by morning stiffness, fatigue, low fever, and weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally slow, although a few cases may have a sudden onset. It can also affect specific joints, such as the cervical spine, shoulder joints, and hip joints.

home-news-image

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

51sec

home-news-image

What medicine is taken for rheumatoid arthritis?

The medication for rheumatoid arthritis mainly falls into three categories, The first category is the choice of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, which mainly includes two types: non-steroidal analgesics and low doses of corticosteroids. If the patient's pain symptoms are mild, non-steroidal analgesics can be opted for. However, if the patient's pain symptoms are more severe, and there is significant liver or kidney damage, or concurrent interstitial lung disease, then the use of low doses of corticosteroids should be considered. The second and most important category is the choice of immunosuppressants, which include drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide. The third category is the treatment with biologic agents. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor)