Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the standard treatments for RA. They are used either alone or in combination with newer biologic DMARDs.
DMARDs do not have any common properties other than their ability to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Many were used for other diseases and were found accidentally to help RA. DMARDs include:
In the early 20th century, Swedish physician Henrik Sjögren (SHOW-gren) first described a group of women whose chronic arthritis was... Read more »
Patients living with more than one chronic disease face unique challenges. Unfortunately, comorbidities seem more and more common... Read more »
See the accompanying comic! The other day while showing my mother pictures from my recent trip to Egypt and Jordan, she said to me, "You... Read more »
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the eyes and vision? Just as RA is an inflammatory disease which attacks bones and joints, it can also... Read more »
Ask someone with rheumatoid arthritis to tell you about their biggest frustration and chances are they'll mention the misconception that RA... Read more »
Q: How do most patients get referred to a rheumatologist in the first place?Kremer: Usually, it’s the pain that’s perceived to be arthritis pain.... Read more »
Source: HealthCentral Encyclopedia
Article updated and reviewed by Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan. Editorial review... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
What Is It? Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling in... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
The course of rheumatoid arthritis differs from person to person. For some patients, they disease becomes less aggressive over time and symptoms may... Read more »
Source: Medifocus Guidebook on: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Goals of Treatment for Rheumatoid ArthritisThe primary goals of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include: Alleviating joint-related symptoms... Read more »