Rheumatoid arthritis causes many health problems, seriously affecting quality of life. One of the methods that many people choose is the treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica. Here are the basic drugs.
1. What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue, causing swelling and pain in four to five symmetrical joints. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also include stiffness, limited range of motion…
As part of the treatment regimen for rheumatoid arthritis, Western drugs are used to ease symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse. The doctor will prescribe the right medication for each patient. The drugs can be used alone or in combination to increase effectiveness. Some of the classes of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Slow acting antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, Tofacitinib, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide… Inhibit the effects of chemical mediators produced when the immune system attacks the joints.
- Biologic drugs: Adalimumab, Etanercept, Infliximab… Often used in combination with DMARDs. Prevents the immune system from attacking joints.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Celecoxib, Ibuprofen… Both have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Corticosteroids: Methylprednisolone, Betamethasone… Has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Painkillers: Actaminophen, Tramadol… Works to relieve mild to moderate pain.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
2. Top 15 drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Each drug has different ingredients, uses and dosages. Follow the instructions of your treating physician. Below are the reference information.
2.1. Methotrexate treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
One of the first answers for what to take for rheumatoid arthritis is Methotrexate. This is the preferred immunosuppressive drug indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Uses:
- Relieve pain, swelling, joint pain
- Limit the damage that can happen at an early age
Dosage: 7.5-15mg/week. Or 2.5 – 5mg / time and 3 times / week, each time at least 12 hours apart.
Contraindications:
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with liver failure, severe kidney failure, severe anemia, blood clots, acute infections…
Side effects: Headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hair loss, increased sensitivity to light, increased risk of infection… Effects on the liver.
Interactions: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral antibiotics, Trimethoprim…
2.2. Hydroxychloroquine drug
This drug belongs to the group of DMARDs.
Uses: Reduce inflammation, swelling, pain in joints
Dosage: The initial dose is 400-600mg/time/day. Maintenance dose from 200-400mg / time / day.
Side effects: Headache, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, rash, hair loss…
Interactions: Antibiotics, antifungal drugs, tuberculosis drugs, Acteminophen, antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol lowering drugs…
2.3. Sulfasalazine drug
This drug is indicated when the patient does not respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain relievers.
Uses: Reduce inflammation, relieve pain and swelling of joints.
Dosage: Initial dose is 500mg x 2 times/day.
Contraindications:
- People who are hypersensitive to the ingredients of the drug.
- Patients with porphyria, liver failure, renal failure, urinary tract obstruction.
Side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, blood disorders, rash…
Interactions: Digoxin, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants…
2.4. Leflunomide for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
This drug for rheumatoid arthritis belongs to the group of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is also used to treat gout.
Uses: Reduce inflammation, slow down the development of the disease, improve function.
Dosage: 20mg/day.
Contraindications:
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
- Patients with severe immunodeficiency, severe infection, bone marrow deficiency.
Side effects: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, cold symptoms, rash…
Interactions: People who are injecting live vaccines, vitamin K antagonists, some immunosuppressive drugs, etc.
2.5. Baricitinib medicine
This is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed for moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis. It can be used alone or in combination with other DMARDs.
Dosage: 2mg/time/day.
Contraindications: People with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Side effects: Nausea, increased platelets, increased liver function indexes…
Interactions: Ifosfamide, Mechlorethamine, Trastuzumab….
2.6. Tofacitinib medicine
The drug has the ability to inhibit mediators of inflammation.
Uses:
- Reduce pain, reduce inflammation.
- Prevents the spread of inflammatory cells.
Dosage: 5mg/time, 2 times/day.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- People with active tuberculosis, serious infections, severe liver failure.
- Pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects: Headache, infection, diarrhea, nausea, increased blood pressure…
Interactions: Tofaxen, CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP2C19 inhibitors…
2.7. Adalimumab medicine for rheumatoid arthritis
Adalimumab belongs to the group of immunomodulatory drugs. The drug is often prescribed for people with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis.
Uses: Reduce the progression of joint damage, improve mobility.
Dosage: 40mg/time every 2 weeks.
Contraindications:
- People who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug
- Pregnant or lactating women.
- Heart failure
Side effects: Hair loss, anemia, arrhythmia, bronchial asthma, blood clots…
Interactions: Anakinra, Abatacept…
2.8. The drug Etanercept
Etanercept is an immunosuppressive drug. It can be used in combination with methotrexate to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Uses: Relieve pain, swelling, stiffness. Prevents disease progression and joint damage.
Dosage: 25mg/time, 2 times/week.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- Sepsis.
Side effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, oral thrush, persistent sore throat…
Interactions: Anakinra, Abatacept, Sufasalazine…
2.9. Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is often indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus erythematosus… This drug belongs to the group of corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
Uses:
- Pain relief.
- Improve mobility, slow down the process of joint degeneration.
Dosage: Starting dose is 4-6mg/day.
Contraindications:
- People who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug
- Patients with severe infections.
- People who are suffering from skin lesions caused by viruses, fungi, tuberculosis.
- People taking a live virus vaccine.
Side effects: Indigestion, insomnia, nosebleeds…
Interactions: Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampin, diuretics to reduce blood potassium…
2.10. Cortisone for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Cortisone belongs to the group of corticosteroids, has a shorter duration of action than methyprednisolin and betamethasone.
Uses: Anti-inflammatory, reduce swelling, reduce hypersensitivity reactions of the immune system.
Dosage: From 25-300mg / day, divided 1 or 2 times / day.
Contraindications:
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- People who are preparing to receive live virus vaccines
- People with a history of peptic ulcers
Side effects: Peptic ulcer, insomnia, dizziness, appetite, increased sweating, muscle weakness…
Interactions: Clarithromycin antibiotics, steroid contraceptives, anticoagulants…
2.11. Betamethasone drug
This is a synthetic corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, immunosuppressive.
Uses: Anti-inflammatory, reducing the attack of the immune system on joints.
Dosage: From 0.5 to 5mg/day.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- Diabetic, bacterial, viral, fungal infections.
- People with mental illness.
- Pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects: Menstrual irregularities, impaired glucose tolerance, muscle weakness, osteoporosis…
Interactions: Paracetamol, tricyclic antidepressants, diabetes drugs….
2.12. Acetaminophen drug
Doctors may prescribe Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) to help people with mild to moderate pain feel more comfortable. Medicines only relieve pain, not inflammation.
Uses: Pain relief, fever reducer
Dosage: 1,000mg / time, not more than 4 times / day, at least 4 hours between 2 times.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- People with liver, kidney, cardiovascular disease, anemia, glucose-6 – phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
- Alcoholics.
Side effects: Few side effects occur. However, the patient may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, rash …
Interactions: Ketoconazole…
2.13. Ibuprofen for rheumatoid arthritis
The drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to treating rheumatoid arthritis, this drug is also used in some other cases of osteoarthritis.
Main Ingredients: Ibuprofen
Uses: Pain relief, anti-inflammatory in cases of mild to moderate pain.
Dosage: 1 tablet/time, 3 times/day.
Contraindications:
- People who are sensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug
- Pregnant
- People with peptic ulcers, asthma, blood clotting disorders, liver failure, kidney failure…
Side effects: Abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, urticaria…
Interactions: Quinolone antibiotics, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Furosemide, Digoxin…
2.14. Celecoxib drug
Celecoxib belongs to the group of NSAIDs commonly used for acute and chronic cases of osteoarthritis.
Uses: Reduces joint pain and swelling.
Dosage: 200mg/time/day.
Contraindications:
- People who are sensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug
- Pregnant women in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
- People with peptic ulcers
Side effects: Chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea, upper abdominal pain, visual impairment…
Interactions: Warfarin, Fluconazole, Furosemide…
2.15. Codeine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
This is one of the most popular opioid pain relievers. It is capable of handling mild to moderate pain. The composition of the drug contains Paracetamol, Codeine phosphate.
Uses:
- Relieve mild to moderate pain.
- Antipyretic.
Dosage: 30-60mg/time, 3-4 times/day, at least 4-6 hours apart. No more than 240mg/day.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- Patients with respiratory failure, airway obstruction, at risk of intestinal obstruction.
- People with liver failure, kidney failure.
- Pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects: Constipation, dizziness, nausea, urinary retention, dry mouth, drowsiness…
3. Some Notes
The following points should be kept in mind while using the drug:
- Take the medicine only when prescribed by your doctor.
- Use the right dose, at the right time, do not arbitrarily increase, decrease or stop the dose. The above dosages are for adults and are for reference only.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
- The side effects listed in each of the above medications may not be exhaustive. During the course of taking the drug, if you experience any unusual symptoms, please inform your doctor immediately.
- Combine medication with maintenance of nutrition, living, and exercise regimens. Add to the menu foods rich in omega-3, vitamins D, K… Limit fatty foods, alcohol. Exercise regularly.
- Make regular follow-up visits so that your doctor can assess the effectiveness of your medication and make adjustments if necessary.
The information about the drug treatment for rheumatoid arthritis above is for reference only and is not a substitute for a doctor’s prescription. To know exactly which drug you need to use, in what dosage, visit a medical facility. If you need help with issues related to this situation, please call the hotline 0343 44 66 99 for advice.
SEE MORE
- Rheumatoid arthritis what to eat and what to avoid?
- 15 places to check for rheumatoid arthritis
- TPBVSK helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
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