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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:31
Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Published on: October 6, 2023
Rheumatoid arthritis. New developments in treatment
1Department of Medicine, J. Hillis Miller Health Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.
Postgraduate Medicine
|February 1, 1991
Summary
For active rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are recommended if NSAIDs fail. Hydroxychloroquine is a common, well-tolerated DMARD, but requires careful monitoring for potential severe toxic effects.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often requires treatment beyond nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are crucial for managing RA progression.
- Treatment selection involves considering efficacy and tolerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis management.
- To highlight hydroxychloroquine as a commonly used and well-tolerated DMARD.
- To emphasize the importance of monitoring for adverse effects of DMARDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on rheumatoid arthritis treatment guidelines.
- Analysis of current practices in DMARD selection and monitoring.
- Focus on hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) sulfate's clinical profile.
Main Results:
- Prompt initiation of DMARDs is advised when NSAIDs provide insufficient relief for active RA.
- Hydroxychloroquine is a widely utilized and generally well-tolerated DMARD.
- Alternative DMARDs may be trialed if initial therapy is ineffective.
Conclusions:
- DMARDs are essential for patients with active RA unresponsive to NSAIDs.
- Hydroxychloroquine represents a significant option in RA pharmacotherapy.
- Vigilant patient follow-up is critical due to the potential for severe and unpredictable toxic effects associated with DMARDs.
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