Antirheumatic Drugs: Side effects
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More about Antirheumatic Drugs:
Definition Purpose Recommended dosage Precautions Side effects Interactions Resources |
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may cause vision problems. Anyone taking it should see an ophthalmologist (a physician who specializes in treating eyes) for a thorough eye examination every six months.
Methotrexate and penicillamine may cause birth defects. Women taking these drugs must stop taking them during pregnancy and for several months before a planned pregnancy. Methotrexate may also cause lung damage or fertility problems and should not be taken by anyone with serious kidney or liver disease or by anyone who drinks alcohol.
Azathioprine may cause birth defects if either the man or woman is using it at the time of conception. Anyone who uses this drug and is sexually active should consult with a physician about an effective birth control method.
Other common side effects of antirheumatic drugs include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, and mouth sores. A variety of other side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms while taking antirheumatic drugs should notify the treating physician.
The gold compounds may cause serious blood problems by reducing the ability of the blood forming organs to produce blood cells. These drugs may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or both. Patients taking these drugs should have regular blood counts.
Entanercept (Enbrel) may also cause blood problems, and some patients who received this drug have developed eye problems and multiple sclerosis. It is not certain whether these reactions were caused by entanercept, but multiple sclerosis has been seen in patients taking other drugs which act against tumor necrosis factor.
— Nancy Ross-Flanigan
