What is the best medication for rheumatism?
Disease description:
Recently, a relative of mine was diagnosed with rheumatism. May I ask what is the best medication for treating rheumatism?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Rheumatic diseases are complex conditions involving multiple types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Each type requires different treatment approaches and medication choices. Generally, medications used in treating rheumatic diseases include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and meloxicam, glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone and prednisone, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and leflunomide, as well as biologic agents.
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications effectively reduce pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. However, they do not alter the progression of the disease and may cause gastrointestinal side effects with long-term use.
2. Glucocorticoids: Such as prednisone, these drugs rapidly reduce inflammation and pain. However, long-term use is associated with multiple side effects, including osteoporosis and increased risk of infection. They are generally used as short-term or intermittent adjunctive therapy.
3. Antirheumatic drugs: These medications can slow down disease progression, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine. They take longer to take effect but demonstrate significant long-term disease control.
Each medication has its own characteristics. It is recommended to comprehensively consider individual disease conditions, physical status, drug responses, and other factors when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
