How to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease and we should not be using only pain killers to treat the symptoms, but rather aim to eradicate inflammation so as to prevent joint disability and damage. When treated in the early stages, remission can be induced and patients can have very good outcomes.

The treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation.

The gold standard medication is methotrexate which is taken once a week in doses of 15-20 mg. The side effects are generally mild, and not life threatening. Methotrexate is very effective in halting the progress of the disease and usually does not have serious adverse effects when taken under the supervision of a rheumatologists. Blood tests should be monitored regularly to check for liver irritation. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and Imuran are alternatives for milder forms of rheumatoid arthritis. The newer drugs such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Mabthera, Abatacept are alternatives which are highly effective, but also expensive. Check which is the best option for you with your rheumatologist.