"Disease-modifying" drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. Issue 26 (30th December 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Is Part Of: Drug and therapeutics bulletin. Volume 23:Issue 26(1985)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 1985-12-30
• Subjects: Drugs -- Periodicals; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1136/dtb.23.26.101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-5248

Abstract

Abstract : Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease whose major feature is a destructive peripheral polyarthritis. In this condition simple analgesics may relieve pain while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and stiffness; neither however change the activity or rate of progression of the disease. 1 If these drugs fail to control symptoms, if there is radiological evidence of rapid or progressive joint damage, or if the patient has serious extra-articular manifestations of RA (e.g. lung disease, vasculitis, amyloidosis), it is usual to start a drug that might modify the disease or induce remission. This article discusses disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) and how to choose between them.