Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications

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• What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• What Are the Risks of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
• Salicylates
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nonselective inhibitors of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes
• NSAIDs, selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Investigational drugs
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-term) disease causing inflammation (swelling and pain) of the joints, such as the elbows, shoulders, wrists, fingers, knees, feet, or ankles. The symptoms typically occur in a symmetric pattern, meaning that both sides of the body are affected at the same time. Other common symptoms include fatigue, malaise (an overall feeling of illness), and morning stiffness.