Arthritis Drugs slow disease progression
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.
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