What treatments are available for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Some drugs can relieve a great deal of pain and stiffness, as well as helping to control the disease and prevent it getting worse. There are a number of different types of drugs used, including: • Analgesics (painkillers) – such as paracetamol. These help to relieve pain. • Anti-inflammatory drugs – relieve pain, stiffness and swelling in joints. • Disease Modifying Drugs – help to suppress the activity of the Arthritis and prevent or reduce damage to the joints. These drugs require medical supervision, and blood tests to monitor patients safely. • Steroids – are powerful, natural anti-inflammatory agents and can be used both in injection and tablet form. They are used with care as they can have side effects. • Biologic Drugs – are a new group of drugs used for severe Arthritis.
