Medication is the foundation for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
The Four Non-biologic DMARDs
This article is second in the series on rheumatoid arthritis drugs. The four common DMARDs: methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, leflunomide.
Keep readingTNF inhibitors
Next line in the treatment of RA TNF inhibitors/TNF blockers are a group of biologic medicines that suppress the body’s response to TNF. TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) is a complex protein produced by the white blood cells in response to inflammatory events in the body. Those who have rheumatoid arthritis may be given a TNF…
Keep readingTargeted biologics for RA Part One Rituxan and Orencia
Rituxan shouldn’t be used if you are planning a pregnancy. Orencia has no black box warning.
Keep readingBiologics Actemra and Kevzara
RA biologics affecting your interleukin 6: Actemra and Kevzara.
Keep readingBehind the scenes of RA medication
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment involves medications that suppress the immune system by targeting specific proteins. Trial and error determines the effectiveness of biologics, while traditional drugs like methotrexate affect the immune system more generally. This risk-reward approach, dating back to mathematician Daniel Bernoulli, applies to modern medications, with patients weighing relief against potential risks.
Keep readingAnakinra for RA
Anakinra is a biologic medication developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike the other RA biologics , it is injected daily.
Keep readingPrednisone and Medrol are Glucocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids are naturally produced by the body. For those with RA the body does not produce enough during inflammation. Synthetics, such as, Medrol and prednisone are prescribed.
Keep readingRA treatment is still lacking
Not long ago those with RA suffered in agony as their bodies became mutilated . We now have a variety of drugs to reduce those symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at what these drugs are doing.
Keep readingRub it on, Ointments for RA
For centuries joint pain has been managed by rubbing in a variety of ointments. Here is information about ointments to help you choose one that will work for you.
Keep readingPlaquenil and the eye
I have a question about the drug, Plaquenil, AKA hydroxychloroquine. My interest stems from the book I am writing, Nurse Mary’s Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis. After reading several additional medical reports about Plaquenil, I realized I needed to look further and to expand its section in the medication chapter of my book. Another reason for…
Keep readingWhat ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 means to you
The drug data sheet is a resource to understand how effective RA biologics are.
Keep readingThe drugstore pain relievers
Fundamentally we have four choices for pain relief on the drugstore shelf.
Keep readingJAK inhibitors
The first JAK inhibitor, Xeljanz (Tofacitinib), was approved for use by the FDA for rheumatoid arthritis use in 2012. It was a breakthrough medication for RA as it was the first to offer a targeted drug in pill form
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