Is There Any Effective Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
YES. Treatment involves a combination of medication, rest, exercise and methods of protecting the joints. Medication This consists of anti-inflammatory drugs which reduce the swelling, pain and stiffness which result from the inflammatory response. They are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and include aspirin, ibuprofen diclofenac and piroxicam. A patient’s response to a particular drug and the degree of disease activity dictate the potency of the drugs prescribed. Some patients require drugs called “disease-modifying” agents such as sulphasalazine or methotrexate. Newer drugs such as Enbrel, Humira and Remicade are also available. These drugs can have side effects so treatment should be closely supervised by your rheumatologist. The main aim of treatment is the control of the inflammatory process early so as to lessen the disability that can result from long-term effects of joint destruction. Corticosteroids are drugs related to the natural hormone cortisone. They
