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Rethinking the therapeutic pyramid for rheumatoid arthritis. When are NSAIDs alone not enough?
1Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown.
Postgraduate Medicine
|February 1, 1992
Summary
New rheumatoid arthritis treatments offer comparable efficacy and toxicity to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Primary care physicians should consider early prescription for maximum patient benefit.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring effective management.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used but have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the availability and benefits of newer RA treatment agents.
- To encourage early adoption of these agents by primary care physicians.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pharmacological agents for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Comparison of efficacy and toxicity profiles against NSAIDs.
Main Results:
- Numerous RA agents demonstrate favorable comparisons to NSAIDs regarding toxicity and efficacy.
- These agents represent valuable therapeutic options for RA management.
Conclusions:
- Primary care physicians should become familiar with these advanced RA treatments.
- Early intervention with these agents can maximize therapeutic benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.