When diagnosed with Arthritis and Connective Tissues Disease you may find that you need to take at least one medication to manage the condition.
Medications prescribed by Rheumatology usually include:-
Pain Killers- Analgesia - is any member of the group of medication ( drugs) used to achieve relief from pain
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature
Steroids also called corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions
Disease Modifying anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS) - DMARDs help preserve joints by blocking inflammation and also keep the rheumatological condition under control
Click on the medications below for more information:
Apremilast | Ciclosporin | Cyclophosphamide | Hydroxychloroquine | Leflunomide
Methotrexate | Methotrexate (Nordimet) pen | Methotrexate (Metoject) pen
Mycophenolate | Sulfasalazine (Sulphasalazine) | Azathioprine
Click on the medications below for more information:
Biologic DMARDs
Adalimumab | Abatacept | Belimumab | Certolizumab Pegol | Etanercept
Golimumab | Infliximab | Rituximab | Sarilumab | Secukinumab
Tocilizumab | Ustekinumab | Ixekizumab | Bimekizumab | Guselkumab
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
To get the most out of your medicines and avoid unwanted side effects, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist about:
- different ways to treat your condition
- what will happen if you don’t take your medication
- what are the benefits of certain medications
- any side effects or risks
- how long you will need to take the medication for
- how you will know if it's working
- anything you should avoid while you’re using medication and afterwards
- anything you can do to help yourself.
Keep an updated list of all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications.
These questions are especially helpful to ask before you start taking a medication. DMARD and Biologic/ JAKs Medication initiation and Review Clinics When you are first prescribed a drug, a member of the Rheumatology Health care team will discuss your condition and medication options with you. This will help you make an informed decision about your health and treatment The decision is yours and you don't have to agree to any treatment that you're not happy with. The Clinical Nurse Specialist will also provide you with a follow up review clinic.
DMARDS- 6 to 8 weeks after starting your medication
Biologics and JAKs- 3-4 months after starting treatment