Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
[DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)].
Eiichi Tanaka1, Hisashi Yamanaka
1Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 22, 2013
Summary
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are crucial for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, emphasizing early use and understanding individual drug characteristics and adverse reactions for effective patient management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment has evolved significantly with the advent of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Early initiation of DMARDs following RA diagnosis is a cornerstone of current treatment strategies.
- Understanding the distinct characteristics and safety profiles of individual DMARDs is vital for optimal clinical practice.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of major disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used in Japan for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- To highlight the importance of understanding DMARD characteristics and patterns of adverse reactions (ADRs).
- To emphasize the necessity of regular patient monitoring for safe and effective RA management.
Summary:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) represent a paradigm shift in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, with early use recommended for all patients.
- Key DMARDs discussed include methotrexate, salazosulfapyridine, bucillamine, tacrolimus, and iguratimod, detailing their roles and characteristics.
- Effective RA treatment necessitates a thorough understanding of individual DMARD properties, potential adverse reactions (ADRs), and consistent patient monitoring.
Impact:
- Informed selection and monitoring of DMARDs can lead to improved patient outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- This knowledge empowers clinicians to personalize RA treatment strategies, balancing efficacy with safety.
- Understanding ADR patterns associated with DMARDs is critical for minimizing risks and ensuring patient well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.