DMARDS,disease modifying drugs.

• DMARDS: For patients that have rheumatoid arthritis that has failed to respond adequately to NSAIDS, your doctor will consider a different class of medication called disease-modifying drugs or DMARDS. This category of drugs includes hydroxychloroquine, gold, sulfasalazine, minocycline, methotrexate, penicillamine, and leflunomide.

• These drugs differ from each other and from other arthritis medications in their onset of action, method of administration, cost, potential side effects, and the need for monitoring for potential side effects. The severity of the arthritis, previous response to other medications, and history of other health problems will help determine which drug or combination of drugs will be prescribed for you.

• Some of the more recent medications that have been developed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis include etanercept and infliximab. These medications are administered either by subcutaneous injection or by intravenous infusion and represent a new class of compounds called anti-tumor necrosis agents. These medications are presently very expensive and are generally reserved for patients with severe rheumatoid disease who have failed treatment with other strong drugs such as methotrexate. It is not unusual that several months are required in order to identify the medication and dosage that will be most beneficial for treating a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid medications – sometimes known as cortisone or prednisone may be used to make patients more comfortable and functional during severe flare-ups or while other medications are being initiated. Corticosteroid drugs are potent, rapidly acting anti-inflammatory drugs which may be injected into a joint or given orally. From DePuy Orthopaedics

• The effectiveness, safety, side effects, and duration of use all have been questioned by concerned patients. Studies throughout the years have shown DMARDs to be very effective drugs, with uncommonly observed serious side effects. Frequent laboratory monitoring helps control the risk of side effects. Once thought to be a short-term treatment, DMARDs are now regarded as a long-term solution to controlling symptoms.

• I have used etanercept for two years with poor results. I had no side effects except the pain of injection. I got used to it! I am now using Remicade in the hope of stopping the destruction of my joints.

DMARDS should not be your first drug of choice in dealing with arthritis pain. Try using NSAIDS

You might want to try some herbal medecine like Thunder God Vine?

Try acupuncture.

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