there are two groups of DMARDs which are also called 'second line' drugs. The first group includes antimalarials, penicillamine, gold and sulphasalazine; the second group are termed 'immunosuppressant' because they suppress the immune system (the body's own defence system).
drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Medications used to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent the destruction of cartilage and joints. DMARDs work by interfering with or depressing the immune system.
The second line of medications used to treat JRA that work to modify or prevent the progression of the arthritis, such as damage to the joint or cartilage (i.e. methotrexate, leflunomide, biologic agents).
anti-inflammatory drugs that not only help relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis but also slow the progression of the disease; once considered a treatment of last resort, they are now prescribed earlier in the disease
A powerful class of drugs used as a second line of defense to treat persistent inflammatory processes. These drugs can be prescribed in conjunction with more traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). DMARDs slow down the biological processes that cause the persistent inflammation.
