Drugs to treat RA and gout Flashcards
Which cytokines are involved in RA?
TNFa, IL-6, IL-1, PG
Drugs to decrease acute joint pain
NSAIDS (indomethacin, naproxen)
Analgesics (acetaminophen, capsacin, opioids)
Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone)
What do you typically use NSAIDS/analgesics/glucocorticoids for in the rx of RA?
minimize symptomatic effects of disease while waiting for clinical effects of slow acting DMARDS/BRMs
DMARDS
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
DMARDS indication
reduce/prevent joint damage
How long till DMARDS show efficacy?
Weeks to months
Commonly used DMARDS
Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Leflunomide
Less frequently used DMARDS
Azathioprine, D-Penicillamine, Gold Salts, Cyclosporin, Cyclophosphamide
Hydroxychloroquine Indication
Mild RA
Which RA drug is a anti-malarial drug?
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine MOA
inhibition of TLR signaling/ antigen presentation to T cells
Hydroxychloroquine time to effect
3-6 months
Which drugs are often given in combination with Hydroxychloroquine
sulfasalazine
Methotrexate
Is hydroxychloroquine safe in pregnancy/lactation?
YEs
Rare side effect of hydroxychloroquine
Ocular toxicity
Sulfasalazine
Decreases signs and symptoms of disease
Slow joint destruction
*More toxic than hydroxychloroquine
*Similar efficacy to methotrexate
What is the active component of sulfasalazine?
sulfapyridine
Sulfasalazine MOA
? interfer with T/B cell immune response
Inhibits NF-KB
Sulfasalazine time to effect
1-3 months
Is sulfasalazine safe during pregnancy?
Yes
Which other DMARDS is sulfasalazine often combined with
Hydroxychloroquine
Adverse effects of sulfasalazine
Agranulocytosis
Hepatotoxicity *reversible
Methotrexate
DRUG OF CHOICE for active moderate/severe disease
Decreases appearance of new bone erosions
Improves long term clinical outcome
Methotrexate time to effect
4-6 weeks
Methotrexate MOA
increases production of adenosine > immunosuppressive
Common side effect of Methotrexate
hepatoxicity
What should patients on methotrexate obtain from?
Alcohol
Rare side effects of methotrexate?
Pulmonary toxicity
Bone marrow suppression
Increased risk of lymphoma
Methotrexate is contraindicated in?
pregnancy/breast feeding
pre-existing liver disease
renal impairment
How is methotrexate excreted?
80-90% renally
is methotrexate safe in pregnant?
NO!
Leflunomide
= effective to sulfasalazine and methotrexate
Low cost alternative to TNF inhibtors
Leflunomide time to effect
1-2 months
Leflunomide MOA
inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, decreases synthesis of uridine
Adverse effects of Leflunomide
HTN (w/ NSAIDS)
Diarrhea, nausea, rash
Hepatotoxicity (w/ methotrexate)
What is Leflunomide contraindicated in?
Pregnancy/breast feeding
Pre-existing liver disease
Biologic response modifiers
specifically designed to inhibit either cytokines (TNFa, IL-6, IL-1) or cell types (T-cells, B-cells)
Which cells synthesize TNF-a?
CD 4+T cells, macs, mast cells
What does TNF-a cause?
Joint inflammation (endothelials) Cartilage breakdown (chondrocyte/synoviocyte) Bone erosion (osteoclast)
How are anti-TNFa drugs given?
SQ or IV
How often are TNF-a drugs given?
Weekly/biweekly
Anti TNFa drugs time to effect
1-4 weeks