Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

We were discussing rheumatoid arthritis. In previous posts, we covered its symptoms and diagnosis. In this post, we'll focus on its treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis requires ongoing management. Many medicines are used to achieve remission. When starting treatment, steroids are often included as they are effective and help control the disease quickly. Rheumatologists use steroids for a limited time to minimize side effects. Patients are often concerned about using steroids, but controlled use for the first three to six months can be beneficial.

 

Along with steroids, the main medicines for the disease, called DMARDs, are also started. These medicines can take 6 to 9 months to show effects. During this initial period, painkillers and steroids are needed, but DMARDs help control the disease completely over time.

 

Patients often worry about how long they need to take these medicines. This depends on the severity of the disease and response to treatment. Taking medicine regularly as prescribed by the doctor, and starting DMARDs soon after diagnosis, increases the chances of remission. In the first step, steroids and painkillers are stopped. If remission is prolonged and sustained, the rheumatologist can gradually reduce DMARDs and sometimes even stop them.