Drugs for RA Flashcards
What are the aims of medication for RA
Control symptoms, stop disease progress, restore and maintain normal function
In turn reduces/stop damamge
What score is used to quantify RA
DAS28
What does NSAID stand for
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
What does DMARD stand for
Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (aka immunsupressants)
What family of drugs does methotrexate belong to
DMARDs
How can methotrexate be given
7.5 to 25mg, orally, sc or im once a week. Given alongside folic acid supplement
Is pregancy advisable while on methotrexate
no
What drugs do methotrexate inteact negatively with
Trimethoprim (a UTI antibiotic) and septrin. Can result in bone marrow failure
What is sulphasalazine used for
RA and seronegative spondyloarthropathies
What is the gold standard drug in RA treatment
Methotrexate
How is sulphasalazine given
Tablet/syrup, dose increased to 1g bd
What are the main side effects of sulfasalazine
low WBC or platelet count
Is sulfasalazine safe in pregnancy
Yes, as long as adequate folic acid is taken alongside it. Caution in breastfeeding
Can also cause asospermia
When is leflunomide used
RA, psoriatic arthrits
What are the side effects of leflunomide
Similar to methotrexate and sulfasalazine, can cause weight loss
