Pharmacology in Arthritis Flashcards
Disease modifying drugs in arthritis
DMARDS, Biologics
DMARDS used in Arthritis?
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine
Hydroxychloroquine
Biologics used in arthritis?
Anti-TNF
Rituximab
Tocilizumab
Name a pure analgesic
Paracetemol
anti-pyretic, little anti-inflamm effect
Analgesics
Co-codamol Dihydrocodeine Tramadol Amitryptiline Gabapentin
Properties of NSAIDS
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Antipyretic
Antiplatelet
Adverse effects of NSAIDS?
Ulceration, oesophagitis, gastritis etc Renal impairment Increased cardiovascular events (Cox 2 inhibitors + others) Fluid retention Wheeze Rash
Are DMARDS slow acting?
Yes (weeks - months)
Do DMARDS have any analgesic effect?
No! Purely anti-inflammatory
Improve standard laboratory tests of inflammation e.g.ESR, CRP
Reduce rate of joint damage
What kind of drug might improve standard laboratory tests of inflammation (e.g. ESR and CRP)
DMARDS
How quickly do you want to try and get someone with arthritis onto DMARDS?
Within 3 months of symptoms
Vaccines and DMARDS?
Vaccines should be given before DMARDS are started
-Live vaccines should not be given
DMARDS of choice?
Sulfasalazine, methotrexate
(remember DMARD combination therapy!! both together!!)
Make it intensive!
Methotrexate is an antagonist of what?
Folate
How can methotrexate be given?
Orally or subcutaneously
What is thrombocytopenia?
Deficiency of platelets, this can cause bleeding into tissues, bruising and slow blood clotting after injury
Adverse effects of methotrexate
TERATEGENIC (STOP 3MONTHS BEFORE Myelotoxicity, fibrosing alveolitis Leucopenia / thrombocytopenia Hepatitis / cirrhosis (alcohol intake must be limited) Pneumonitis Rash / mouth ulcers Nausea / diarrhoea Needs monitoring of FBC and LFTs
Why should alcohol intake be limited when on methotrexate?
Methotrexate can cause cirrhosis/hepatitis
Why do you need to monitor LFTS and FBC when you’re on methotrexate?
Methotrexate can cause cirrhosis/hepatitis, leucopania and thrombocytopenia (and others)
What is sulfasalazine?
An azo ester of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid
Which DMARD can cause neutropenia?
Sulfasalazine
Which DMARD can cause reversible oligozoospermia?
Sulfasalazine
Effects of Hydroxycloroquine
No effect on joint damage
Used in connective tissue diseases such as SLE (helps skin, joints and general malaise), Sjogrens and RA
Rare adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine?
Retinopathy
Name a DMARD which can help in SLE and its effects
Hydroxychloroquine (helps skin, joints and general malaise)
Side effects of sulfasalazine?
Oligospermia Myelotoxicty, hepatotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions Nausea Neutropania Hepatitis Rash/Mouth Ulcers
Anti-TNF that can be given intravenously?
Infliximab
Subcutaneous Anti-TNF therapies?
Etanercept
Adalimumab
Certolizumab
Golimumab
What can anti-TNF therapy be used in?
Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
Contra-indications to anti-TNF therapy?
Pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure