Rheumatology Drug Therapy

RA

  • NSAIDS eg Naproxen, Diclofenac
  • DMARDS – Sulfasalazine
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Methotrexate + folic acid
  • Azathioprine
  • Leflunomide
  • Steroids – IM and oral
  • Biologics – Etanercept or Infliximab with Methotrexate
  • B-Cell depleting therapies (Retuximab) +/- Methotrexate

SLE

  • NSAIDS
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Azathioprine
  • Mycophenalate
  • Prednisolone

Osteoporosis

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Biphosphonates eg Alendronate, intravenous agents
  • (HRT)
  • Strontium
  • Denosumab

Sarcoidosis

  • NSAIDs
  • Steroid therapy
  • Methotrexate
  • Azathioprine

Scleroderma

  • Regular exercise to reduce contractures
  • Skin care
  • DMARDs etc as appropriate

Psoriatic arthritis

  • NSAIDS
  • DMARDS esp Methotrexate
  • Etanercept
  • Adalimumab

Reactive arthritis

  • NSAIDS
  • Local corticosteroid injections
  • Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate or Azathioprine may be needed

Ankylosing spondylitis

  • NSAIDS
  • DMARDS Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate for peripheral joints
  • Corticosteroids
  • Biologic therapy Infliximab, Etanercept, Adalimumab

Sjogrens Syndrome

  • Hydroxychloroquine for arthralgia
  • DMARDs
  • Topical therapy for eyes/mouth

Polymyalgia rheumatica

  • Prednisalone

Vasculitis

  • Prednisalone
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Azathioprine

Fibromyalgia

  • Analgesia
  • NSAIDS
  • Amitriptyline
  • Duloxetine

Gout

  • NSAIDS
  • Colchicine
  • Allopurinol
  • Febuoxat

Pseugogout

  • NSAIDS
  • Intra-articular corticosteroids
  • Colchicine

This summary has been compiled by Barbara Hill, physiotherapist