Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs: DMARDs
If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may recommend that you begin treatment with one of several types of DMARDs within a few months of diagnosis. One of the most important drugs in the arsenal for treating rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs can often slow or stop the progression of RA by interrupting the immune process that promotes inflammation. However, they may take up to six months to be fully effective.
DMARDs have greatly improved the quality of life for many people with rheumatoid arthritis. These RA drugs are often used along with NSAIDs or glucocorticoids; however, with this type of medication, you may not need other anti-inflammatories or analgesics.
Because DMARDs target the immune system, they also can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections. This means you must be watchful for early signs of infection. In some cases, you may also need regular blood tests to make sure the drug is not hurting blood cells or certain organs such as your liver, lungs, or kidneys.
| Name | Brand Name(s) | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| hydroxychloroquine sulfate | Plaquenil | Tell your doctor if you have vision problems; vision may be damaged with high doses or long-term use. | • Blurry vision or increased light sensitivity • Headache • Abdominal cramps or pain • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea • Itching or rashes |
| leflunomide | Arava |
Tell your doctor if you have: Stop taking leflunomide before trying to conceive. |
• Dizziness • Hair loss • Headache • Heartburn • High blood pressure • Gastrointestinal or liver problems • Low blood cell count • Neuropathy • Skin rash |
| methotrexate | Rheumatrex, Trexall |
Tell your doctor if you have: • Active plans to conceive |
• Abdominal pain Rare, but serious: Dry cough, fever, or trouble breathing, which may result from lung inflammation |
| tofacitinib | Xeljanz | • Xeljanz adds to risk of serious infections, cancers, lymphoma. • May increase cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. • May lower blood count. |
• Upper respiratory tract infection
|
| baricitinib | Olumiant | • Olumiant increases the risk of serious infections, cancers, lymphoma. • May raise cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. • May lower blood count. |
• Upper respiratory tract infection
|
| Upadacitinib | Rinvoq | • Rinvoq increases the risk of serious infections, cancers, lymphoma, and skin cancers |
• Upper respiratory infections • May cause blood clots • Tears in the stomach and intestines are possible |
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs: Biologic Response Modifiers
Biologic response modifiers are a type of DMARD. They target the part of the immune system response that leads to inflammation and joint damage. By doing this, they can improve your condition and help relieve symptoms.
These RA medications can’t cure rheumatoid arthritis. If the drugs are stopped, symptoms may return. But just as with other DMARDs, biologic response modifiers may slow the progression of the disease or help put it into remission. If your doctor prescribes one of these RA drugs, you will likely take it in combination with methotrexate. Biologic response modifiers are taken by injection and/or by IV and are expensive. Their long-term effects are unknown.
NOTE: Before taking biologics, it’s important to get appropriate vaccinations and to be tested for tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C.
Examples of biologic response modifiers:
| Name | Brand Name | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| abatacept | Orencia | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, such as pneumonia or COPD. • Do not take live vaccines. • Get tested for TB and hepatitis before starting treatment. |
• Cough • Dizziness • Headache • Serious infection • Infusion reaction • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| adalimumab | Humira |
• Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, such as pneumonia. Get tested for TB and hepatitis before starting treatment. |
• Redness, pain, itching, or bruising at injection site • Upper respiratory infection • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| adalimumab-atto | Amjevita, a biosimilar to Humira |
Tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure. Your doctor should test you for tuberculosis and hepatitis. |
• Reactions at the injection site • Upper respiratory infections • Rash • Headaches • Serious infections, such as tuberculosis and sepsis • Higher risk for lymphoma and other cancers |
| anakinra | Kineret | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection or a history of it. • Do not take live vaccines. |
• Redness, swelling, pain, or bruising at injection site • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| etanercept | Enbrel |
Do not take if you have congestive heart failure, and tell your doctor if you have: • have or have had hepatitis B |
• Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising at injection site • Nausea • Fatigue • Abdominal Pain Rare complications: • Neurological events • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria or fungi |
| etanercept-szzs |
Erelzi, a biosimilar to Enbrel
|
Do not take if you have congestive heart failure, and tell your doctor if you have: • have or have had hepatitis B |
• Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising at injection site • Nausea • Fatigue • Abdominal Pain Rare complications: • Neurological events • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria or fungi |
| infliximab | Remicade |
• Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection or a history of it. • TTell your doctors is you are taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate |
• Headache • Nausea Fatigue • Abdominal Pain • Fever • Itching Rare complications include: • development of tuberculosis • Invasive Fungal Infections • Malignancies |
| Infliximab-abda | Renflexis |
• Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection or a history of it. • TTell your doctors is you are taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate |
• Headache • Nausea Fatigue • Abdominal Pain • Fever • Itching Rare complications include: • development of tuberculosis • Invasive Fungal Infections • Malignancies |
| infliximab-dyyb | Inflectra |
• Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection or a history of it. • TTell your doctors is you are taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate |
• Headache • Nausea Fatigue • Abdominal Pain • Fever • Itching Rare complications include: • development of tuberculosis • Invasive Fungal Infections • Malignancies |
| rituximab | Rituxan | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, or heart or lung disease. • tell your doctor is tou are taking immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. |
• Abdominal pain Serious side effects: • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| rituximab-abbs | Truxima | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, or heart or lung disease. • Do not take live vaccines. |
• Abdominal pain Serious side effects: • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| rituximab-pvvr | Ruxience | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, or heart or lung disease. • Do not take live vaccines. |
• Abdominal pain Serious side effects: • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| infliximab-dyyb | Inflectra, a biosimilar to Remicade |
• Do not take this medicine if you have moderate to severe heart failure. • Tell your doctor if you have had tuberculosis or hepatitis. |
• Diarrhea • Headache • Fatigue • Nausea • Rash at site of infusion • Upper respiratory infections • Urinary tract infections • Tuberculosis • Sepsis • Fungal infections |
| golimumab | •Tell your doctor if you have any infections or health conditions, like heart disease, MS, or diabetes• Get tested for TB before starting treatment. • Do not take live vaccines. • See your doctor right away if you develop signs of infection while taking this drug. |
• Redness at the injection site Rare complications: • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
|
| certolizumab pegol | Cimzia | • Tell your doctor if you have an infection or are being treated for an infection, or if you have diabetes, HIV, hepatitis B, cancer, or TB. | • Nerve problems such as MS • Allergic reactions • Autoimmune problems like lupus • Reactivation of hepatitis B • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| tocilizumab | Actemra | • Tell your doctor if you have a serious infection, history of gastrointestinal perforation, or if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. • Do not take live vaccines. | • Upper respiratory tract infection • Inflammation of the nose or throat • High blood pressure • Headache • Abnormal liver enzyme level • Serious infections, like TB, and infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi |
| sarilumab | Kevzara |
• Tell your doctor if you have had TB, if your immune system is weakened by deconditions such as diabetes, hepatitis or HIV • if you are being treated for an infection such as a serious infection, or plan on becoming pregnant. |
• Upper respiratory tract infection • Urinary tract infection • Nasal congestion • Sore throat • Runny nose • Redness at the injection site |
They are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that can also block other immune responses. Several man-made steroids calls corticosteroids help relieve RA symptoms and may stop or slow joint damage. You receive these RA drugs by pill or as a shot.
Because of the risk of side effects, it is generally recommended that you use these RA drugs only for brief periods; for example, when your disease flares up or until DMARDs are fully effective. If your side effects are severe, don’t stop taking the drug suddenly. Talk first with your doctor about what to do
Examples of corticosteroids
| Name | Brand Name(s) | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
|
injectable |
Celestone | Tell your doctor if you have: • Fungal infection • History of TB • Underactive thyroid • Diabetes • Stomach ulcer • High blood pressure • Osteoporosis |
• Bruising • Cataracts • Increased cholesterol •Atherosclerosis • High blood pressure • Increased appetite or indigestion • Mood swings or nervousness • Muscle weakness • Osteoporosis • Infections |
| prednisone | Rayos | Tell your doctor if you have: • Fungal infection • History of TB • Underactive thyroid • Diabetes • Stomach ulcer • High blood pressure • Osteoporosis |
• Bruising • Cataracts • Increased cholesterol •Atherosclerosis • High blood pressure • Increased appetite or indigestion • Mood swings or nervousness • Muscle weakness • Osteoporosis • Infections |
| methylprednisolone | Medrol |
Tell your doctor if you have: • Skin rash |
• Upset stomach • Stomach irritation • Vomiting • Headache • Trouble sleeping • Depression • Anxiety • Hair growth • Bruising • Skipped or irregular periods |
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs: NSAIDs
NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme that promotes inflammation. By reducing inflammation, NSAIDS help reduce swelling and pain. But they are not effective in reducing joint damage. These drugs alone are not effective in treating the disease. They should be taken in combination with other rheumatoid arthritis medications.
As with glucocorticoids, you should use them for brief periods — they can cause severe digestive tract problems. Which type, if any, your doctor prescribes may depend upon your medical history. If you have a history of liver, kidney, heart problems or stomach ulcers, it’s best to not take these drugs. Ask your doctor whether any new NSAIDS producing fewer side effects are available.
| Name | Brand Name(s) | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| celecoxib | Celebrex | • Tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack, stroke, angina, blood clot, or high blood pressure or if you have sensitivity to NSAIDS or sulfa drugs. • Do not take with other NSAIDS. • Do not take late in pregnancy. |
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke Indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain |
| diclofenac sodium | Voltaren | Tell your doctor if you: • Drink alcohol • Use blood thinners • Take ACE inhibitors, lithium, warfarin, or furosemide • Have sensitivity to aspirin; kidney, liver, or heart disease; asthma; high blood pressure; ulcers • Do not take with other NSAIDs. |
• Abdominal cramps, diarrhea Greater risk of complications for people with cardiovascular disease |
| ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin | Tell your doctor if you: • Drink alcohol • Use blood thinners • Take ACE inhibitors, lithium, warfarin, or furosemide • Have sensitivity to aspirin; kidney, liver, or heart disease; asthma; high blood pressure; ulcers • Do not take with other NSAIDS. |
• increased risk of heart attack and stroke Abdominal cramps, diarrhea Greater risk of complications for people with cardiovascular disease |
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs: Analgesics
Analgesics reduce pain but they do not reduce swelling or joint damage. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription analgesics. Narcotics are the most powerful type of analgesic. Use these carefully and be sure to let your doctor know if you have any history of alcoholism or drug abuse.
Examples of analgesics:
| Name | Brand Name(s) | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| acetaminophen | Tylenol, Feverall | • Tell your doctor if you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol daily. • Avoid taking more than one product with acetaminophen. |
Side effects uncommon if taken as directed. |
| tramadol | Ultram |
• Tell your doctor if you use central nervous system depressants, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, muscle relaxants, or narcotic pain medications or if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. • Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how your body reacts to the drug. |
• Constipation • Diarrhea • Drowsiness • Increased sweating • Loss of appetite • Nausea |
| oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other narcotics | OxyContin, Roxicodone | Tell your doctor if you use central nervous system depressants, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, muscle relaxants or narcotic pain medications or if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. • Never chew or cut tablets; a high dose can be fatal if released rapidly. |
• Constipation • Dizziness • Drowsiness • Dry mouth • Headache • Increased sweating • Itchy skin • Nausea or vomiting • Shortness of breath |