Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Oral glucocorticoids are not frequently recommended for people with mild rheumatoid arthritis. These medications are discussed in more detail in a separate topic review. If one or more joints remain swollen or tender after a few weeks of treatment with an NSAID, one or more DMARDs may be recommended, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, or sulfasalazine. This combination is continued only until inflammation has subsided. Mild rheumatoid arthritis is usually treated initially with nonpharmacologic therapies and an NSAID. Severity of rheumatoid arthritis The severity of rheumatoid arthritis is based upon the severity of inflammation. Activity of rheumatoid arthritis The activity of rheumatoid arthritis refers to the presence of joint swelling. The type and sequence of drugs used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment depends upon three factors: the activity, severity, and stage of rheumatoid arthritis.