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Medications used for rheumatoid arthritis relief

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease causing inflammation of joints there by causing severe paid resulting in deformity of the joints .It affects all races, all ages, and both sexes .The predisposing factors may be infectious agents like bacteria, virus, fungi and external factors like smoking. The symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain. This condition can diagnose by physical examination, x-rays and blood tests. The main aim of the treatment is to reduce the inflammation and pain, so as to prevent the destruction of the joint in order to restore its function. Early treatment and good coordination between the doctor and the patient is important for better results. As severe pain is the most bothering factor, the main focus of the treatment is pain relief.The most common medicine used is aspirin. This is the first line drug. It is fast acting drug that reduces pain and inflammation. Cortisone is also used as first line Drug. Drugs like gold and hydroxy chloro quine are second line drugs. They are slow acting. They are not anti-inflammatory agents. They reduce progressive damage to the tissue that follows inflammation.

The newer second line drug that is used is de leflunomide[avara]. Arava is used to relieve the symptoms and arrest the progression of the disease. It works by blocking the action of an important enzyme that has a role in immune activation. Arava can cause liver damage, diarrhoea, hair loss and rashes in some patients. It should not be taken before or during the pregnancy because of possible birth defects. The other medications that are used are called as biological medications or biological response modifiers. They are eternercept[enbrecet], infliximab[remicade], anakinra[kinert] and adalimub[humira]. These biological medications are faster in the onset of action and powerful enough to stop the progressive joint damage. This medication intercept on the protein in the joint that triggers inflammation. This blocks TNF inflammation messenger that calls for inflammation. Eternercept should be injected subcutaneously once or twice a week. Remicade should be given intravenously. Humira can be given subcutaneously every week or alternate weeks.these biological response modifiers are little expensive than the traditional medications.

Disclaimer : The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

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