1 Pharmacologic Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What are the 3 categories of RA drugs?

Answer 1

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
• Glucocorticoids
• Disease –modifying
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Question 2

What is the first line of defense against RA?

Answer 2

Aspirin

Question 3

What are the side effects of NSAIDS?

Answer 3

– Stomach irritation
– Bleeding problems
– Impaired renal function
– Diarrhea
– Heart burn
– Upper Respiratory Tract infection

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids?

Answer 4

Binds to receptors in the cytoplasm of
certain cells – forming a glucocorticoid-
receptor complex

Complex then moves to the cells
nucleus, binds with certain cells and
regulates inflammatory process

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of glucocorticoids?

Answer 5

• Osteoporosis
• Bone loss
• Muscle wasting and weakness
• Hypertension
• Aggravation of DM
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Moon face

Question 6

True or false: in terms of getting rid of RA inflammation, Glucocorticoids are the best.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What are the side effects of methotrexate?

Answer 7

• Toxic drug
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Intragastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Pulmonary problems
• Hemologic disorders
• Liver dysfunction
• Hair loss

Question 8

What is the first drug of choice for OA?

Answer 8

Acetaminophen