What medications are used for rheumatoid arthritis?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Tiesheng

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is generally an autoimmune disease triggered by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Common symptoms include joint redness, swelling, pain, and fever. It often affects large joints and is characterized by migratory involvement. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, methotrexate tablets, prednisone tablets, and penicillin V potassium tablets.

Generally, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease triggered by infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Common symptoms include joint redness, swelling, pain, and fever. It often affects large joints and presents with migratory characteristics. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, methotrexate tablets, prednisone tablets, and penicillin V potassium tablets for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Aspirin Enteric-Coated Tablets

Belonging to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), these tablets inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reduce joint inflammatory reactions, alleviate symptoms of redness and pain, and also have antipyretic effects, improving fever associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It is one of the classic drugs for treating this disease.

2. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules

Also nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these capsules exert anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity and reducing prostaglandin production. They have strong analgesic effects, effectively relieving joint pain. The sustained-release formulation prolongs the duration of action and is suitable for patients requiring long-term pain control.

3. Methotrexate Tablets

Belonging to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), they inhibit dihydrofolate reductase, affect purine and pyrimidine synthesis, inhibit immune cell proliferation, reduce inflammation and damage of the synovial membrane, and delay disease progression. They are commonly used for long-term treatment in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Prednisone Tablets

These are glucocorticoids with potent anti-inflammatory effects that rapidly reduce acute inflammatory symptoms such as joint redness and pain. They also suppress immune responses and control disease activity. They are usually used short-term during acute exacerbations to quickly relieve symptoms.

5. Penicillin V Potassium Tablets

Belonging to the penicillin class of antibiotics, they kill group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, eliminate infection foci, prevent immune reactions caused by continuous bacterial stimulation, avoid recurrence or worsening of the disease, and are suitable for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the acute phase accompanied by streptococcal infection.

It is important to maintain good lifestyle habits, avoid excessive joint strain, keep the joints warm, avoid stimulation from damp and cold environments, and avoid consuming high-salt and high-sugar foods such as pickled vegetables and desserts, which may hinder recovery.

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What are the top three best medications for treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Generally speaking, there is no single best medication for treating rheumatoid arthritis; the appropriate drug should be selected based on individual病情. Commonly used medications include methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, adalimumab injection, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and hydroxychloroquine tablets. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance. Methotrexate tablets belong to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

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How is rheumatic arthritis treated?

In general, the treatment of rheumatic arthritis mainly includes conservative management, medication, physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and surgical intervention. Additionally, during treatment, patients should follow their doctor's instructions for regular follow-up visits to monitor disease progression; maintain a regular作息 (daily routine) and balanced diet, avoiding excessive fatigue; and seek timely medical attention to adjust the treatment plan if symptoms such as increased joint pain or significant swelling occur.

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What does high ferritin indicate?

Under normal circumstances, ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Elevated ferritin levels may indicate various conditions, such as long-term excessive iron supplementation, overconsumption of iron-rich foods, alcoholic liver disease, hemochromatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. If abnormalities are detected, it is recommended to promptly visit a正规 hospital for medical evaluation and testing. In daily life, iron supplementation should be done appropriately, avoiding blind medication use.