Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
- 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
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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.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-standing) joint disease that damages the joints of the body. The damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.
- The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as many other symptoms.
- The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body.
- If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This mea...
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Rheumatoid Arthritis »
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetric pattern.
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