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News Releases
Arthritis Drugs Made Simple
Columbia, Mo. (September 12, 2007) - Whether it's deciding which over-the-counter pain reliever is best or understanding a prescription, knowledge about all the medications you take is important. The Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center has some simple explanations of common medication prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis.
What is a NSAID?
Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are pain relievers that also have some action against inflammation. Common examples of NSAID medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly used in small doses in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Steroids reduce swelling and inflammation and have been shown to slow joint damage. Steroids should not be stopped abruptly. A doctor must advise on slowly reducing the dosage. There are many side effects associated with the use of steroids. "Side effects include weight gain and a tendency toward osteoporosis," says Sara Walker, M.D., professor, MU School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Columbia, and Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center co-investigator. It is important to note that corticosteroids are not used to treat the common form of wear-and-tear arthritis, known as osteoarthritis.
What are DMARDs?
Often, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) are a second line of defense for people with rheumatoid arthritis and treatment is usually started as soon as the diagnosis is made. These drugs reduce inflammation and slow the progression of disease. It is common for physicians to prescribe DMARDs in conjunction with NSAIDs. "DMARDs are being used early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis," says Walker. "Patients should be monitored regularly for possible side effects." Common DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxycholoroquine, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide.
What are biologics?
Many physicians are beginning to prescribe biologic therapies to combat progression of rheumatoid arthritis. These medications actually alter the immune system. "These treatments are usually given under the direction of a rheumatologist, a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating arthritis," says Walker. Three commonly used biologics are Enbrel, Remicade and Humira. Biologic agents are often used in combination with methotrexate.
The more you know about your medications, the easier it will be to work with your physician to find a treatment plan that's right for you. For more information on arthritis and medications, visit http://marrtc-dev.missouri.edu/links/general.html#medication or http://ww2.arthritis.org/conditions/DrugGuide/default.asp.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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