Week 3 Flashcards
what conditions uses methotrexate?
-low doses treats immune diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.
high does- cancer
what is the frequency of low dose methotrexate?
once a week and on the same day
what are some key points for low dose MTX?
- needs time for effect could take weeks to start working
- dose escalation is required to reach optimal dose
- starting therapy needs baseline assessment like full blood count, liver function, urea and electrolytes, renal function, chest x-ray
what other drug methotrexate co-prescribed with?
folic acid 5mg OD (1-6 days a week) on the day without MTX
why is folic acid taken with MTX?
to reduce the rs of hepatotoxcity and GI side effects like sickness, nausea and diarrhoea
what is arthritis?
when there is joint inflammation, including deformity, pain and swelling
what is happening during osteoarthritis?
there is a disorder of the joints due to loss of articular cartilage loss
what are the types of osteoarthritis?
primary-idiopathic the cause is unknown there is damage to the cartilage from somewhere
secondary- specific cause such as previous injury
what are the risk factors fr osteoarthritis?
- 45+
- females due to being more hormonal
- being obese BMI over 25
- having a physically demanding occupation
- genetics
what are signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Activity related joint pain
Morning stiffness lasts no longer than 30 minutes
Muscle wasting
Hand/fingers often presents as ‘nodes’
what is the management for osteoarthritis?
need to have holistic approach
- weight loss
- exercise: core
- physical aids lie walking sticks, braces
what are some pharmacological treatments?
is for pan release as it is irreversible Topical NSAIDs or Topical capsaicin Paracetamol Oral NSAIDs (+PPI) Opioids Intra-articular corticosteroids -surgery
