Treatment Options

Because RA is a progressive disease that damages your joints, it's important to start an effective treatment as soon as possible. In the past, RA has been treated with pain managers or products to help slow the disease. But for many patients — even those being treated with methotrexate alone — damage from the disease continues.

Many rheumatologists now believe it's important to treat RA in its early stages with the most advanced therapy available. Even if you've had rheumatoid arthritis for many years, it's still very important to start an advanced treatment as soon as possible.

The proper medication regimen is also important in controlling your RA. It is important that you help your doctor determine the best combination for you. However, keep in mind that nearly all medications have side effects. Be sure to check the patient information provided with your prescription and talk to your doctor about the kinds of side effects certain medications may have, and whether they are safe for you to use.

The main categories of drugs used to treat RA are:

Biologics

These drugs can specifically target parts of the immune system that lead to inflammation as well as joint and tissue damage in RA.

Corticosteroids

Prescribed in low-maintenance doses, these drugs, such as prednisone, reduce joint inflammation and symptoms.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs, such as methotrexate, reduce joint inflammation and symptoms, and can slow the progression of the disease.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and many others, reduce joint inflammation and symptoms.

Treat the underlying cause of joint damage

Although it may not be evident to you, the ongoing pain, stiffness, and swelling you experience from your RA could suggest serious damage occurring to your joints.

The importance of treating your RA early

Within the first few years of diagnosis, many rheumatoid arthritis patients find their activity levels dramatically reduced. And it's typically during the early years that the joint damage begins and the disease progresses rapidly. It is therefore important to begin a treatment plan as early as possible.

Click here to find support and a listing of resources for RA.