Approach to Therapeutics

Question 1

What are the broad therapeutic categories used in treating inflammatory arthritis?

Answer 1

1) NSAID’s

2) Disease Modifying anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS)

3) Biologics

4) Corticosteroids

Question 2

What are the general aims of treatment of the patient with RA?

Answer 2

• Retard disease progression
• Modify disease activity

Question 3

What is the importance of early and aggressive managment in RA?

Answer 3

• obtaining optimal outcomes in RA
• improve symptoms and prevent joint damage

Question 4

What are the benefits, risks and cost effectiveness of each of the main classes of drugs used to treat RA patients?

Answer 4

Biologic DMARD’s:

Benefits - work rapidly when used with Methotrexate, well tolerated

Risks - Some associated toxicities, infection

Cost - High

Corticosteroids:

Benefits - short term benefit

Risks - long-term toxicity

Question 5

Whate 2 drugs are most commonly used in the treatment of RA?

Answer 5

1 - Methotrexate

2 - Sulfasalazine