3 Main Classes Of Medication Used In Rheumatoid Arthritis

20 October 2022
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease where the immune system causes immune cells to attack synovial joints. The main medications used to help reduce disease activity and potentially slow disease progression are the base of any treatment plan for moderate-to-severe RA.

DMARDs

DMARDs, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, are a class of medications each with its own method of targeting the immune system. Some older medications in this class are rarely (if ever) used, such as gold injections. The most commonly used DMARDs are methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. In most instances of moderate-to-severe disease, these medications are used in combination with each other to decrease disease activity. Some of the DMARDs cause apoptosis of inflammatory cells. Apoptosis is "programmed cell death." Inflammatory cells, like other cells in the body, essentially self-destruct. Encouraging inflammatory cells to self-destruct prematurely prevents them from attacking the joints. Some DMARDs also work through various processes to hinder the immune system by inhibiting purine metabolism and pyrimidine.

Biologics - TNF Inhibitors

DMARDs can have some effect on tumor necrosis factor, TNF, but specific classes of biologics only affect this part of the immune system. TNF is part of the immune response, which is not only seen in autoimmune diseases but the immune response in relation to viruses and bacteria. Inflamed joints from RA are found to have high concentrations of TNF. Inhibiting the response of TNF to joints and soft tissues can reduce the damage caused by the immune system, especially reducing instances of joint erosions. TNF inhibitors are commonly paired with methotrexate since it has a synergistic effect on RA. Since some TNF inhibitors are older, they are available as a generic in the form of a biosimilar.

Biologic - JAK Inhibitors

Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are another class of biologics that reduce inflammation but in a different way. This type of biologic helps inhibit part of the immune system responsible for cell communication. Cytokines are a type of protein that is produced by some immune cells. The cytokines are used for cell communication. Some pathways in the immune system need JAK to convert signals from cytokines. By inhibiting JAK, the communication pathway is interrupted. Since cytokines are present in large numbers at sites of inflammation, disrupting the communication pathway can reduce inflammation.

When someone develops RA, it is common to try different medicines and combinations of medicines before finding the right treatment that helps reduce symptoms. All major treatments for RA involve suppressing parts of the immune system to reduce disease activity.

For more information, contact a professional for arthritis treatment today.