Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Int Spec (Rheumatology) > Drugs > Flashcards

Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

Do DMARDs have any analgesic effect?

A

No

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What blood tests should always be checked in a person taking methotrexate?

A

FBC, U&Es, LFTs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Due to a risk of bone marrow suppression, what drug should not be prescribed alongside methotrexate?

A

Trimethoprim (+ co-trimoxazole)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the advice regarding methotrexate and pregnancy?

A

Must be stopped at least 6 months prior to conception in both males and females

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

As well as increased risk of infection, what are some other general side effects of biologics?

A

Increased risk of cancers (especially melanoma) and exacerbation of heart failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How can steroids be given?

A

Oral, IV, IM or IA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

In rheumatoid arthritis, patients must have a DAS28 score of greater than what to qualify for treatment with biologics?

A

> 5.1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis can occur as a side effect of which DMARD?

A

Methotrexate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How long does it typically take for DMARDs to start to work? For this reason, what should always be co-prescribed?

A

2-3 months, so steroids should always be prescribed alongside them to cover against inflammation in this time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name two DMARDs which are safe to use in pregnancy?

A

Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What should always be prescribed alongside steroids if they are going to be given long term?

A

Calcium and vitamin D supplements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Stevens-Johnsons syndrome is a side effect of which DMARD?

A

Sulfasalazine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which DMARD can result in coloured tears and stained contact lenses?

A

Sulfasalazine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Name some examples of TNF inhibitors?

A

Infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

NSAIDs should be relatively contra-indicated in individuals with which other condition?

A

Asthma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the mechanism of action of rituximab?

A

Anti-CD20, resulting in B cell depletion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the target serum urate level? What dose can allopurinol be given up to to reach this target?

A

Below 300 - allopurinol can be given up to 900mg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What must always be co-prescribed alongside methotrexate?

A

Folic acid (5mg once weekly)

19
Q

How can methotrexate be given? How often is it given?

A

Usually given once weekly either orally or subcutaneously

20
Q

When should febuxostat be used instead of allopurinol in the chronic treatment of gout?

A

In patients with renal failure

21
Q

In terms of rheumatology, who are biologics indicated in?

A

Those who have failed to respond to treatment with at least two DMARDs, one of which must have been methotrexate

22
Q

What is a common side effect of colchicine?

A

Diarrhoea

23
Q

What is the first line DMARD for inflammatory arthropathies?

A

Methotrexate

24
Q

Retinopathy, potentially leading to blindness, is a serious side effect of which DMARD?

A

Hydroxychloroquine

25
Q

What lifestyle advice is particularly important to give people starting on methotrexate, due to one of its most severe side effects?

A

Cut down alcohol intake as this medication is hepatotoxic

26
Q

When should DMARDs be started for the best therapeutic effect?

A

Within 3 months of symptom onset

27
Q

As with all immunosuppressants, biologics come with a risk of infection. However, which one in particular? And what should be done to minimise this risk?

A

TB (reactivation of the latent form) - screen patients for this before starting the drug

28
Q

Most TNF inhibitors are given subcutaneously. Which is given as an IV injection?

A

Infliximab

29
Q

What is usually the second line DMARD if methotrexate is not tolerated?

A

Leflunomide

30
Q

When should colchicine be used instead of NSAIDs in the acute treatment of gout?

A

In those with renal failure, asthma, peptic ulceration or any other reason for NSAIDs to be contra-indicated

31
Q

If a patient on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis is planning a pregnancy, what are some alternative medicines which could be used?

A

Sulphasalazine, or a biologic if the criteria is met

32
Q

What drug must not be taken alongside allopurinol and why?

A

Azathioprine- risk of irreversible bone marrow suppression

33
Q

What drug class should not be given in enteropathic arthritis as they can worsen the condition?

A

NSAIDs

34
Q

If a patient who is taking leflunomide wants to get pregnant, what must happen first and why?

A

A wash out, since leflunomide has a half life of around 2 years

35
Q

Temporary oligozoospermia is a side effect of which DMARD?

A

Sulfasalazine

36
Q

What is usually the first line DMARD in connective tissue diseases?

A

Hydroxychloroquine

37
Q

Are biologics safe to use in pregnancy?

A

Yes

38
Q

If an immunosuppressant is required in SLE, what is usually the drug of choice?

A

Cyclophosphamide

39
Q

What drug should always be co-prescribed alongside cyclophosphamide and why?

A

Co-trimoxazole as prophylaxis against pneumocystis pneumonia

40
Q

Patients with a documented allergy to co-trimoxazole should not be prescribed which DMARD?

A

Sulfasalazine

41
Q

The concurrent use of methotrexate and which antibiotic may cause bone marrow suppression and severe or fatal pancytopenia?

A

Trimethoprim

42
Q

Is azathioprine safe to use in pregnancy?

A

Yes

43
Q

Patients who are allergic to aspirin may react to which DMARD also?

A

Sulfasalazine

Int Spec (Rheumatology) (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions