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Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
Several different types of drugs?classified as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)?have been found useful for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many of the older DMARDs are used most often to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat conditions such as cancer, malaria and other inflammatory diseases. Newer DMARDs are more precisely targeted to inhibit very specific elements of the RA disease process.
DMARDs work in different ways. Some of them interfere with DNA synthesis, which prevents cell division and suppresses immune responses in the body. Others keep the immune system from producing proteins and antibodies that cause joint damage. Some DMARDs reduce inflammation by blocking proteins such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins. Exactly how others work is not yet known.
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DMARDs relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They may also stop damage to cartilage and bones.
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DMARDs used to be reserved for treatment after other drug options had been tried. Recently, however, starting serious treatment early has been shown to delay or stop the progression of RA. Now, a DMARD is generally started for most RA patients within three months of diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the RA, more than one DMARD may be tried at a time or a DMARD may be combined with another type of RA drug. Because deciding on the drugs and doses needed to drug treat RA is often complicated, patients may need to see a rheumatologist?a doctor who specializes in the treatment of RA. Drugs in the class
Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran)
Aurothioglucose Injection (Solganal)
Azathioprine Injection (Imuran Injection)
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Auranofin (Ridaura)
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-tabs, Sulfazine EC) | 
