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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 2 2003

Disease modifying drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease which causes inflammation of the joints. It usually starts in the hands and feet. The inflammation in the joints is painful and can make the person disabled.

To slow down the damage to the joints, patients are given medicine to reduce the inflammation. It is not possible to say which medicine will be best for which patient. Some people need to take more than one medicine.

The medicines for rheumatoid arthritis alter the immune system but can also affect the blood and the liver, so it is important that the patients take the right dose. They need regular check ups to make sure that they are not anaemic and that they can still fight off infection.

Many of the medicines can harm an unborn baby if the mother takes them during pregnancy. Some may be harmful even if they are taken by the father. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should tell their doctor if they are planning a family.

Although medicines are important they are just part of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.