These 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.

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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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