What is the best medication for rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease description:
Recently, my grandfather was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I would like to ask the doctor, what medications are recommended?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, but can also involve other organs. Medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis mainly fall into the following categories:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen, loxoprofen sodium, and celecoxib. These medications rapidly relieve joint pain and swelling and are considered first-line treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications can slow disease progression, including traditional DMARDs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, which have demonstrated good efficacy.
3. Glucocorticoids: Such as prednisone and dexamethasone. These may be used short-term to rapidly control symptoms during severe or acute episodes. However, long-term use should be approached cautiously due to numerous potential side effects.
4. Herbal extracts and supplements: Such as tripterygium wilfordii and total glucosides of paeony, which also have certain anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and may be used as adjunctive therapy.
All of the above medications must be used under a doctor's guidance; self-medication should be avoided. Additionally, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis should incorporate comprehensive measures such as rest, exercise, and physical therapy to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
