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Are rheumatoid arthritis drugs like Humira effective if taken sporadically?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
No, these drugs (disease modifying drugs) like methotrexate and plaquinil work by causing changes in the immune system that reduce its ability to cause the inflammation that causes the damage done in Rheumatoid arthritis. There is however no cure for RA so if you stop the treatment the inflammation starts again. every time the inflammation stars again more damage is done to the joints and associated tissue.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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How is arthritis treated?
There are many different forms of arthritis so naturally there will be many different treatments. There is no known cure for arthritis however there are many ways to control pain and damage caused by this disease. To find out more go to the related link below (Arthritis treatments)
What medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Medications used for Rheumatoid arthritisThe inflammation caused by RA results in damage to the joints as well as many other tissues and organs of the body. The main way to stop or at least reduce joint damage is by giving medications that suppresses inflammation.and Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic drugs that reduce the effect that the immune system has in some situations.DMARDsDisease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic DrugsThese can also be described as slow acting anti rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). These drugs suppress inflammation and may also retard the development of joint erosion's The exact reason for their effectiveness is at this stage not well understood. Their effectiveness in their ability to slow the progression of erosion's is judged through the use of X-rays.With DMARDs early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important in the aim of preventing joint deformity and disability. DMARDs take 6-8 weeks to achieve beneficial effects. Treatment with these drugs should be closely monitored. Regular blood and urine tests are often done to identify side effects and potential problems as soon as possible.DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) may be used in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication can be taken orally or by intramuscular injection. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects such as nausea and mouth ulcers. Methotrexate It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in the fight against inflammation in RA.Sulfasalazine such as Pyralin EN and Salazopyrin EN. These drugs while less potent, have fewer adverse side effects and are used in the treatment of mild RA. These however can still cause nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, rash and headaches. These side effects however are reduced once the maintenance dose is reached. It can also lead to severe anemia on occasion.Leflunomide (e.g. Arava). Used for severe active RA that does to methotrexate. Leflunomide is as effective as methotrexate in the treatment of RA.Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate such as Plaquenil are also used in the treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are less toxic than some of the other treatments. Plaquenil is often used in combination with other DMARDs.Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) is used to treat only severe active RA that is unresponsive to other DMARDs. Because of high toxicity it is rarely used.(NSAIDs)Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsThese drugs are prescribed as pain killers. They may also reduce inflammation inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as RA. They have no effect on the progress of the disease but may relieve symptoms. Ibuprofen such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen and naproxens such as Naprogesic are available without prescription. Drugs such as such as diclofenac, piroxicam, sulindac and indomethacin have to be prescribed by a doctor.The use of NSAIDs is often limited because they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcer. They are not suitable for use by people who have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.COX-2 specific inhibitorsThe coxibs (e.g. celecoxib --- brand name Celebrex) These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain and are far gentler on the stomach than the conventional, older NSAIDs. Coxibs may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when taken in high doses. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are advised not to use these medicationsCorticosteroidsCorticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These agents are used in the treatment of RA, both as tablets and as injections into the joint. Prednisolone is sometimes used in moderate to severe RA where NSAIDs and DMARDs are not controlling the disease. Oral corticosteroids (those taken by mouth) are usually used at the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects such as weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis.Corticosteroids may also be injected into joints if the arthritis is not being controlled through oral therapy, however this has to be limited to 3 to 4 injections a year. Joints commonly injected are fingers, toes, knees and shoulders. Corticosteroids are also sometimes injected into the muscles.Biologic agentsA new category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF inhibitors occur naturally in the body and are key players in the process of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.Infliximab (e.g. Remicade) is a TNF inhibitor available for the treatment of RA in selected patients. It slows the progression of RA and reduces joint damage. Inflixmab is given by infusion via a drip into a vein. Each treatment takes approximately 2 hours. It is given along with methotrexate. There are very tight Government restrictions In Australia on which patients with RA can obtain access to Remicade because of the expense involved.Etanercept (e.g. Enbrel)Humira (adalimumab),There are also promising experiments going on that have now reached testing in humans where stem cell technology is being employed to replace damage cartilage bone and muscle.
You have recently been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis its your third month with it and you were wondering what are some things that can be done to help the pain?
The treaments and drugs that are used in JRA are similar to those used in RA as follows.There are treatments to inhibit and to some extent control the damage done as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. However there is up to now no cure. For any one that suspects that they have RA it would be wise to seek medical advise as early as possible because the treatment is best begun before the onset of physical damage.treatments used on RA (Rheumatoid arthritis)The inflammation caused by RA results in damage to the joints. The main way to stop or at least reduce joint damage is by giving medications that suppress inflammation. Disease-Modifying Anti-RheumaticDMARDsDisease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic DrugsThese can also be described as slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs (SAARDs). These drugs suppress inflammation and may also retard the development of joint erosions. The exact reason for their effectiveness is at this stage not well understood. Their effectiveness in their ability to slow the progression of erosions is judged through the use of X-rays.With DMARDs early diagnosis and treatment of RA is important in the aim of preventing joint deformity and disability. DMARDs take 6-8 weeks to achieve beneficial effects. Treatment with these drugs should be closely monitored. Regular blood and urine tests are often done to identify side effects and potential problems as soon as possible.DMARDs that are used in the treatment of RA.Methotrexate (e.g. Ledertrexate, Methoblastin) may be used in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. This medication can be taken orally or by intramuscular injection. Supplements of folic acid are recommended to alleviate side effects such as nausea and mouth ulcers. Methotrexate It is potentially toxic to the liver. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in the fight against inflammation in RA.Sulfasalazine such as Pyralin EN and Salazopyrin EN. These drugs while less potent, have fewer adverse side effects and are used in the treatment of mild RA. These however can still cause nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, rash and headaches. These side effects however are reduced once the maintenance dose is reached. It can also lead to severe anemia on occasion.Leflunomide (e.g. Arava). Used for severe active RA that does to methotrexate. Leflunomide is as effective as methotrexate in the treatment of RA.Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate such as Plaquenil are also used in the treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis. They are less toxic than some of the other treatments. Plaquenil is often used in combination with other DMARDs.Azathioprine (e.g. Imuran) is used to treat only severe active RA that is unresponsive to other DMARDs. Because of high toxicity it is rarely used.(NSAIDs)Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsThese drugs are prescribed as pain killers. They may also reduce inflammation inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as RA. They have no effect on the progress of the disease but may relieve symptoms. Ibuprofen such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen and naproxens such as Naprogesic are available without prescription. Drugs such as such as diclofenac, piroxicam, sulindac and indomethacin have to be prescribed by a doctor.The use of NSAIDs is often limited because they increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcer. They are not suitable for use by people who have had a peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.COX-2 specific inhibitorsThe coxibs (e.g. celecoxib - brand name Celebrex) These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. They are effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain and are far gentler on the stomach than the conventional, older NSAIDs. Coxibs may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, when taken in high doses. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke are advised not to use these medications.CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These agents are used in the treatment of RA, both as tablets and as injections into the joint. Prednisolone is sometimes used in moderate to severe RA where NSAIDs and DMARDs are not controlling the disease. Oral corticosteroids (those taken by mouth) are usually used at the lowest effective dose to minimize adverse effects such as weight gain, hypertension (high blood pressure) and osteoporosis.Corticosteroids may also be injected into joints if the arthritis is not being controlled through oral therapy, however this has to be limited to 3 to 4 injections a year. Joints commonly injected are fingers, toes, knees and shoulders. Corticosteroids are also sometimes injected into the muscles.Biologic agentsA new category of arthritis treatments called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors has been developed. TNF inhibitors occur naturally in the body and are key players in the process of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. It is found in high concentration in the joint fluid of people with RA. By attaching to the TNF, these new agents can block its effect.Infliximab (e.g. Remicade) is a TNF inhibitor available for the treatment of RA in selected patients. It slows the progression of RA and reduces joint damage. Inflixmab is given by infusion via a drip into a vein. Each treatment takes approximately 2 hours. It is given along with methotrexate. There are very tight Government restrictions In Australia on which patients with RA can obtain access to Remicade because of the expense involved.Etanercept (e.g. Enbrel)Humira (adalimumab),Elevation of joints, resting as much as possible, physical therapy, appropriate exercise, heating pad or heat treatment such as a spa or warm bath, weight loss if over weight to keep weight on joints to a minimum, pain killers that have anti inflammatory qualities: over the counter such as Aleve and Aspirin, but do not take with the advice and guidance of a physician as even over the counter meds can cause problems such as blood thinning and stomach problems. Prescription meds include methotrexate, Humira and Enbrel to help slow the progression of the disease and also with pain. For inflammation and pain Celebrex and for prescription pain Ultram, Norco, Codeine, Vicodin and Oxycontin are among the many choices available to help control RA pain. There are also many natural supplements that can be helpful with fish oil being among them. Fish oil can be consumed by eating 3 portions of fish a week or in capsule form as well. With all the choices there are also a variety of millegrams available and sometimes a combination of several meds or meds and natural supps to get pain under control. Prescription pain killers are at the end of the spectrum in treating pain and all other methods should be tried before embarking on them. The most important thing is to listen to your body and not over do it, but not to let pain stop you from being active as you need exercise to stay strong and healty.
What is the best medicine for arthritis?
It would depend on the person's other conditions. For OTC use, there are a few suggestions. If the person has no conflicting conditions (such as warfarin use, heart problems, etc.), a class called non-steroidaol antinflammatory drugs can be used. Members of this class would be Aleve (naproxen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). Another suggestion would be the joint supplements of chondroitin and glucosamine. Make sure the person has no shellfish allergies before using these supplements.
What could severe knee pain arm pain joint pain locked up shoulders and lack of grip be?
AnswerIt sounds a whole lot like Rheumatoid Arthritis, sometimes called RA. Google it and see if your symptoms are similar and if they are, see a doctor or RA specialist immediately. Quick intervention is key to stopping joint deterioration before it causes permanent damage and eventually deformation of the joints. My very healthy 61 year old mom suffered seemingly unconnected pains in her shoulders, neck, hips, feet & hands for 5 years prior to diagnosis. Initially, due to her problems gripping things, such as a coffee cup, she was diagnosed with regular arthritis and told to take Tylenol. Luckily, she didn't give up and was finally correctly diagnosed 5 years later. Hers was still considered mild when it was diagnosed and with treatment - steroids, then a monthly infusion similar in style but not drug to chemotherapy and methotrexate (not fun but necessary) she is almost pain free for 2 years now. She has to take a monthly Humira injection and stay on top of it, watch her stress levels because stress can cause the deterioration to begin again but it is effectively in "remission".On the other hand my brother in law who was a lifelong heavy drinker was diagnosed shortly after he developed pain, he received similar treatment. Due to the nature of the medications for RA he was told he must stop drinking, he did not, he developed scerosis (sp) of the liver which was imminent anyway due to his lifestyle but the RA treatment helped it along, he survived less than a year and died two weeks before his 51st birthday from advanced liver cancer. Moral of the story, DO NOT DRINK with RA drugs!!I wish you good luck in finding a correct diagnosis, please do not construe my answer as definitive medical advice, as I am only relating my experiences with RA which seems similar to what you are describing.
What was the name of the first FDA approved Monoclonal antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
Humira (generic name adalimumab) Is The First Human Monoclonal Antibody Approved For Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What are some side effects of HUMIRA?
Humira is used to treat arthritis. Some side effects which one may incur while taking Humira include cough, dizziness, diarrhea, headaches, and heartburn.
What medicines does Abbot Laboratories make?
Abbott Laboratories is an American pharmaceuticals company. They have developed such drugs as: Humira, Norvir, Depakote, and Synthroid. Humira is a drug for rheumatoid arthritis, Norvir is a treatment for HIV, Depakote is an anticonvulsant drug, and Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone.
What type of research does Abbot Lab do?
Abbot Lab is a pharmaceutical and health care products company. It researches drugs and health products that combat disease and other health problems. In 1985, Abbot Labs developed the first HIV blood screening test, and has also been noted for a drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis called Humira.
What is humira?
Humira is my name
What is meant by the term adalimumab?
Adalimumab is a prescription drug, more commonly known as 'HUMIRA', that is used to treat symptoms of different types of arthritis as well as Crohn disease.
The 7 Major Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication?
Although no one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis - a crippling disease that attacks bone and cartilage alike - certain medications have been developed that appear to relieve the symptoms of this debilitating condition. Anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis, and, as the disease is, at present, idiopathic, no one knows what factors will make some people more likely to develop the condition than others. Rheumatoid arthritis manifests itself mainly in the hands, wrists and elbows, and, although there is no cure for the disease, limited relief can be obtained through the use of rheumatoid arthritis medication, the application of certain surgical procedures and the introduction of certain non-medical therapies like massage and exercise. Research has shown that the earlier rheumatoid arthritis medications are introduced, the more chance they have of slowing down the progression of the disease. Most cases of rheumatoid arthritis are, however, rather far advanced by the time they are detected and do not respond rapidly to treatment. The type of medications most often prescribed are the disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are also known as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Popular DMARDs include Ibuprofen and Advil, which work by reducing inflammation, increasing mobility and decreasing pain. Further rheumatoid arthritis medications include the Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, which include Celebrex and which work towards reducing both pain and inflammation, and the group of drugs called disease modifying agents. Disease modifying agents work best when they form part of a medication regimen that involves several different drugs, and most work on the immune system to decrease inflammation. The most common disease modifying agents in use today include Rheumatrex, Arava and Imuran. Further medications that suppress rheumatoid arthritis comprise the immunomodulators, the interleukin receptor inhibitors, the glucocorticoids and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. While the immunomodulators like Orencia serve to decrease inflammation, the interleukin receptor inhibitors like Kineret serve to reduce pain. The glucocorticoids like Orasone serve to reduce the disease’s visible symptoms and, finally, the TNF inhibitors, like Humira, also decrease inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers would do well to stick to their medication as, all too often, these drugs provide the only source of relief for this debilitating disease.
Which drug is more effective humira or enbrel?
i started out on enbrel for my JRA...it stopped working after about 9 months. so i was then put on humira instead. Within 5 months, that too had stopped working. I am now on Remicade instead which seems to be doing the job. Let's hope it continues!
Can id get flu shot while taking humira?
WAS TOLD NOT TO GET AN ACTIVE VIRUS VACCINE OF ANY TYPE BY A HUMIRA AMBASSADOR ,
Where is the humira commercial filmed?
Chicago
What are some treatments for psoriatic arthritis?
One popular method of treating psoriatic arthritis is through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin. Other options include general anti-arthritic drugs like Acitretrin and Cyclosporine as well as drugs that target specific cells in the body such as Enbrel and Humira.
Who is the actress in the humira commercial 2014?
Brynn O'Malley
