|
|
|
|
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENTThere is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. To date, the goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient (and family) education. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment is customized according to many factors such as disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation. Treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between the doctor, patient, and family members. Two classes of medications are used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment-- "First-line" Drugs Acetylsalicylate (Aspirin), naproxen (Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Medipren, Motrin), and etodolac (Lodine) are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are medications that can reduce tissue inflammation, pain and swelling. NSAIDs are not cortisone. Aspirin, in doses higher than that used in treating headaches and fever, is an effective anti-inflammatory medication for rheumatoid arthritis. The most common side effects of aspirin and other NSAIDs include stomach upset, abdominal pain, ulcers, and even gastrointestinal bleeding. In order to reduce stomach side effects, NSAIDs are usually taken with food. Additional medications are frequently recommended to protect the stomach from the ulcer effects of NSAIDs. Corticosteroid medications can be given orally or injected directly into tissues and joints. They are more potent than NSAIDs in reducing inflammation, and in restoring joint mobility and function. They are useful for short periods during severe flares of disease activity, or when the disease is not responding to NSAIDs. However, corticosteroids can have serious side effects, especially when given in high doses for long periods of time. These include weight gain, facial puffiness, thinning of the skin and bone, easy bruising, cataracts, risk of infection, muscle wasting, and destruction of large joints, such as the hips. These side effects can be partially avoided by gradually tapering the doses of corticosteroids after the patient has achieved a remission of the disease. Abruptly discontinuing can lead to flares of the disease or other symptoms of corticosteroid withdrawal, and is discouraged. "Second-line" or "Slow-acting" Drugs • This medication ideally suited for rheumatoid arthritis treatment is Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs or DMARDs. They are used for long periods of time, even years, at varying doses. If effective, DMARDs can promote remission, thereby retarding the progression of joint destruction and deformity. • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is related to quinine, it is used over long periods for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Possible side effects include upset stomach, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and vision changes. Even though vision changes are rare, patients taking Plaquenil should be monitored by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). • Azulfidine is used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with a combination of anti inflammatory medications. • Methotrexate has gained popularity among doctors as an initial second-line drug because of both its effectiveness and relatively infrequent side effects. • A number of immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Because of potentially serious side effects, immunosuppressive medicines are generally reserved for patients with very aggressive disease, or those with serious complications of rheumatoid inflammation. Newer Treatments Newer "second-line" drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include leflunomide (Arava), and the "biologic" medications etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), anakinra (Kineret), and adalimumab (Humira). Other medications that represent a novel approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and are the products of modern biotechnology. These are referred to as the biologic medications or biological response modifiers. In comparison with traditional DMARDs, the biologic medications have a much more rapid onset of action and can have powerful effects on stopping progressive joint damage. Other steps which you can take, as part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment are-- • A good healthy diet • Well planned exercise regime…(only after consultation with a physical or occupational therapist) • Losing any excess weight • Surgery is another alternative for effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment. • You can also adopt an alternative therapy. Many alternative treatments are quite effective in dealing with the disease. How ever please make sure that you consult a qualified health care professional, including a doctor before you decide to adopt any one approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment. |
|
