DMARDs

Question 1

what does DMARD stand for?

Answer 1

disease modifying anti- rheumatic drugs

Question 2

what are DMARDs given for?

Answer 2

autoimmune diseases e.g. RA, psoriatic arthritis, lupus

Question 3

what are the 3 types of DMARDs?

Answer 3

conventional
biologics
targeted synthetic

Question 4

give some examples of conventional DMARDs (8)

Answer 4

methotrexate
apremilast
azathioprine
cyclosporine
cyclophosphamide
hydroxychloroquine
leflunomide
sulfasalazine

Question 5

give an example of a biologic

Answer 5

adalimumab (‘mab’)

Question 6

what are the side effects of methotrexate?

Answer 6

nausea
appetite loss
sore mouth
diarrhoea
hair loss
headaches
affects blood cells and liver

Question 7

what are the side effects of biologics?

Answer 7

skin reaction at site of injection
infections
sickness
fever

Question 8

what are the interactions of DMARDs with other drugs?

Answer 8

NSAIDs
PPIs
sulfasalazine
amoxicillin

Question 9

what should hydroxychloroquine not be used to treat?

Answer 9

psoriatic arthritis

Question 10

which DMARD should you not take when pregnant/breastfeeding/attempting to conceive and which can you take?

Answer 10

cannot take methotrexate
can take hydroxychloroquine