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 | Are there any prescription treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
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| Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes painful swelling, redness, and stiffness of the joints. Some prescription drugs treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, while others may alter the course of the disease in some people.Medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first choice for treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Prescription NSAIDs include diclofenac (brand name: Voltaren) and oxaprozin (Daypro). Recently, a new class of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors has become available. COX-2 inhibitors, like celecoxib (Celebrex), may have fewer side effects than other NSAIDs. Corticosteroids, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and gold salts are drugs that may slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Etanercept (Enbrel) is a new drug that also has been proven effective. It is often used for patients who have not responded to other treatments. All of these drugs may have side effects and should only be used under the care of a doctor. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995. This answer prepared 7/7/99.
For more information about prescription medications for treating rheumatoid arthritis, go to:
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