Medication

Medication is the foundation for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

TNF 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…

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Behind 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.

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RA 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.

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Plaquenil 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…

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JAK 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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