The Benefits and Side Effects of RA Medications

The goal of treatment with rheumatoid arthritis is to achieve what we call a low disease activity state, and/or remission. How quickly a patient gets to that point is going to differ. And depending on their degree of disease activity, that's going to dictate the medication regimen.

One of the treatments available to treat in rheumatoid arthritis is NSAIDs, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The NSAIDs are primarily pain modifiers. They do not change the inflammatory condition. Side effects with NSAIDs can include bleeding, stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or kidney failure.

Corticosteroids, beloved in rheumatology, because we call it the "it makes everything better." It eases the inflammation, because inflammation is what's driving the joint swelling. There are concerns with prolonged use, including high blood pressure. It can elevate their blood sugars. So it can cause bone loss or accelerate the risk of fracture. It can cause glaucoma, cataracts, increase your risk of infection.

DMARDs are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. In general, they suppress the immune system as a total. Side effects for the traditional DMARDs -- belly pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea -- are common. We will have to monitor your liver and kidney functions, as well as your blood counts, to make sure you're not developing anemia.

Biologics were engineered to alter the way your body responds to your immune system. So biologics can be administered as orals. It can be administered as an injection, or as an infusion. With injections, side effects can include injection side reaction, so you can have bruising, or soreness, or swelling, or even itching. With infusions, you're looking at shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, or itching.

The benefit of taking your medication is that you can improve your functioning state. If you take your medications like you're supposed to, and you're not having any side effects, you can live the best life possible.