DMARDs Drug Guide
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work to slow or stop the inflammatory process that can damage joints and internal organs.
There are three subsets of DMARDs. So-called “traditional” DMARDs are, for the most part, taken orally and have a broad immune suppressant effect. Biologics, taken by self-injection or infusion, introduced in the late 1990s, target specific immune system molecules. The newest DMARDs, here labeled “targeted,” are oral drugs that also target specific immune system molecules.
Because DMARDs interact with the immune system, they can decrease the ability to fight infections and may increase the risk of certain cancers. Some DMARDs are prescribed together as “combination therapy” – to be used with other DMARDs or a biologic.
Your doctor may also prescribe an NSAID and/or corticosteroid along with a DMARD, for use until the DMARD takes effect.
Download your free copy of our DMARDs Guide for information on the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs used to treat arthritis, including brand names such as Rasuvo (methotrexate), Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Azasan (azathioprine).
Download Your DMARDs Guide
To download your own copy of our DMARDs Drug Guide and get details about all 10 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including brand names and modes of administration, fill out the form below.
Our DMARDs drug guide also includes:
- What you should learn before starting DMARDs
- Side effects
- Drug interactions
- Symptoms to be aware of
- Pregnancy warnings
- Details on DMARDs
Want to read more? Subscribe Now to Arthritis Today!