Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis requires ongoing management, and many medicines are used together to achieve remission — complete control of the disease. In this post we focus on how treatment works, following on from our posts on the symptoms and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Starting treatment: steroids

When treatment begins, steroids are often included because they are effective and help control the disease quickly. Understandably, patients are often concerned about using steroids. The key point is that rheumatologists use them for a limited time and at the lowest effective dose, so that controlled use over the first three to six months brings real benefit while keeping side effects to a minimum.

The main treatment: DMARDs

Alongside steroids, the core medicines for rheumatoid arthritis — called DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) — are started. These medicines act on the disease process itself rather than just relieving symptoms.

DMARDs can take 6 to 9 months to show their full effect. During this initial period, painkillers and steroids are needed to keep symptoms under control, but over time the DMARDs take over and control the disease.

How long is treatment needed?

Patients often ask how long they will need to take these medicines. The answer depends on the severity of the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Taking medicine regularly as prescribed, and starting DMARDs soon after diagnosis, greatly increases the chance of remission.

Once the disease is controlled, treatment is reduced in steps:

1. First, steroids and painkillers are stopped.
2. If remission is prolonged and sustained, the rheumatologist can gradually reduce the DMARDs, and in some cases even stop them.

The takeaway

Rheumatoid arthritis is very treatable when managed early and consistently. Regular follow-up with a rheumatologist is the key to reaching and maintaining remission.

Learn more about DMARDs, the latest treatment option and managing medication side effects, or see our overview of rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Faisalabad.