Current Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the body’s joints. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that a trigger causes the immune system to attack the protective layer surrounding the joints. Substances called cytokines are involved in the inflammation process due to the abnormality of the immune system. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are inflammatory cytokines involved in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness gradually progress over time. Finger, wrist, elbow, knee, and toe joints are often involved.  Joint stiffness upon getting out of bed is common.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and leflunomide (Arava), may be prescribed to slow down the progression of joint damage. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors work to decrease inflammation. They include adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and golimumab (Simponi).  These medications may be prescribed in combination with methotrexate. Abatacept (Orencia) is a drug prescribed for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It blocks the activation of T-cells, and may be prescribed after unsuccessful treatment with methotrexate or TNF-alpha inhibitors.

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis







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