Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD's)
Last updated: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 PrintThese drugs are also known as remission-inducing agents
DMARD’s effect on your
body:
· These drugs may slow down the progression of the
disease and diminish the symptoms.
· In some cases it can reduce both
the signs and symptoms of the disease in the joints and soft-tissue.
· Laboratory abnormalities may return to normal.
· It does not
lead to remission in all cases.
· They may have serious side-effects on the
body.
Name a few DMARD’s
Disease-modifying
drugs include methotrexate, chloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine,
penicillamine, gold compounds, cyclosporin and other immunosuppressants.
All of these drugs have a significant toxicity potential. They can only be used under the watchful eye of a doctor.
Rheumatologists may recommend the use of 2,3 or 4 DMARD’s. Combinations may be more effective.
Currently the combination of methotrexate with either sulfasalazine and/or chloroquineis the regarded as a useful combination.
Who can benefit from
DMARD’s
· People suffering from RA, not responding sufficiently
to non-drug measures and NSAID’s.
· Rheumatologists advocate the use of
DMARD’s early in the management of RA because the maximal damage occurs in the
first 24 months of the disease. Early treatment with DMARD’s may produce better
control of the disease.
Which DMARD to take
· The specific DMARD will depend on the severity of the
disease and the individual patient profile
· Read more about specific
DMARD’s: methotrexate, sulphasalazine and chloroquine sulphate.
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