General Health Information

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic (DMARDs) drugs have the ability to slow
disease progression and have anti-inflammatory properties in such diseasse as
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In
addition to Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, they are now prescribed as an
early treatment. And all of these apply to a defense against rheumatoid
arthritis as well as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus and
some other related conditions.

The drugs can slow down the disease process, though sometimes lead to a
complete remission. The drugs may take 6 to 8 months to show a response, thus
they are viewed as slow-acting drugs and are chosen as a second line treatment
option after aspirin and NSAIDs fail.

DMARDs appear to decrease some inflammation though they are not categorized
as anti-inflammatory drugs. They are not like NSAIDs since they do not directly
relieve pain, nor reduce fever. The effect is, DMARDs slow the disease process
by modifying the immune system in some way. Studies have shown DMARDs to be
very effective drugs, with observed serious side effects. But frequent
laboratory monitoring helps control the risk of side effects. But there are natural
pain relief products that are professional without harmful side effects.