Learn the four most effective DMARDs for rheumatoid arthritis infusion therapy, which aim to control RA symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life and lifespan.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are widely regarded as the most effective infusion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
To reduce inflammation, DMARDs target special proteins in your body or inflammatory chemicals that your body produces on a cellular level.
For the treatment of RA, the best biologic DMARDs are administered through infusion. Each of these medications works by targeting a different part of the immune system, but they all have the same goal—to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage while slowing disease progression.
4 DMARDs for rheumatoid arthritis infusion therapy
Rituxan (rituximab)
- It belongs to a class of biologics that targets specialized immune cells known as B cells. In RA, B cells produce auto-antibodies that target and damage healthy cells and tissues. Rituxan acts by preventing B cells from producing auto-antibodies.
- Rituxan is usually administered in two infusions, two weeks apart, for the initial course. To avoid undesired side effects, corticosteroids are administered through an intravenous route about 30 minutes before each Rituxan infusion.
- Infusions of Rituxan take three to four hours. However, you won't see any changes for at least three months after treatment.
- Once treatment begins to work, the benefits can last for 6 to 12 months or longer. Rheumatologists may recommend that treatments must be repeated every six months.
Actemra (tocilizumab)
- This biologic drug inhibits the binding of inflammatory proteins known as cytokines to immune cells that prevent the immune cells from becoming activated, lowering inflammation levels.
- Actemra can be used as a single agent or in combination with other DMARDs.
- It takes about an hour to complete the infusion. When compared with other infused biologics, it typically takes four to eight weeks to notice the drug's effects.
- If a lower initial dose is ineffective, the dose can be increased. Moreover, it is available as a subcutaneous (SQ) injection.
Orencia (abatacept)
- This biologic drug inhibits a type of immune cell interaction known as co-stimulation. Blocking co-stimulation prevents cells from activating and thus stops inflammation at its source.
- Orencia is administered through intravenous infusion or SQ injection. First doses are administered at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks.
- After the initial course, doses are usually given weekly for SQ administrations or once a month for intravenous administrations. Infusions last 30 to 60 minutes each time.
- You may notice improvements within three months, and they may last for the entire first year of treatment.
Remicade (infliximab)
- This medication is one of several biologics that target the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA), which is the cause of inflammation and bone erosion in RA and is found in high concentrations in the joints of people with the condition.
- Remicade works by binding directly to TNFA, preventing it from interacting with inflammatory immune cells.
- Remicade is administered through intravenous infusion, with doses initially administered every 15 days.
- Following the completion of this initial course, infusions may be administered every eight weeks for maintenance.
- Infusions last between two and four hours on average. Remicade is frequently used in conjunction with another DMARD—methotrexate.
QUESTION
The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints.
See Answer
How effective is infusion therapy for RA?
Rheumatologists may prescribe infusion therapy for arthritis treatment to people for various reasons including symptom alleviation. When opposed to oral drugs, many people like not having to take medication regularly and find the infusions to be a better experience.
Many people prefer infusion therapy to regular oral drugs because of the advantages it provides. These advantages include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Decreased swelling
- Improved range of motion
- Increased energy
- Joint damage prevention
- Reduced aches and pains
Infusion therapy for people with RA can provide relief from symptoms for anywhere from six months to a year. The length of each infusion session is determined by the severity of the illness and the type of medication used.
What are the possible side effects of infusion therapy in RA?
This treatment is not appropriate for all people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Although side effects are rarely severe, some people report a drop in blood pressure because of their treatments. If you are taking blood pressure medication, your doctor may advise you to stop taking it before your first intravenous infusion therapy appointment.
In most cases, side effects of this treatment subside within the first 24 hours, but they may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Muscle stiffness
- Sweating
- Flu-like symptoms
- Neck and back pain
- Upper respiratory infections
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Allergic reactions
If you've been diagnosed with RA and haven't seen any improvement with standard treatments, intravenous infusion therapy may be a good option. Doctors will decide if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
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Drugs That Slow
RA’s Progress
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the small joints in the hands, wrist, and feet. RA may also involve the elbows, knees, ankles, and other body parts.
The joint involvement in RA is symmetric, which means that if the joints in the fingers of your left hand are in pain, you will also experience pain in the fingers of the right hand, too.
The common symptoms of RA are:
- Warm, swollen, and painful joints
- Morning stiffness in joints or stiffness after inactivity
- Joint deformity
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Dryness in eyes
- Dry mouth
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale skin
- Depression
- Chest pain or pressure
The symptoms of RA do not remain the same all the time. There may be exacerbation (flare-ups) and resolution (remissions) from time to time.
Can you live a long life with rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, you can live a long life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although on average the disease has been found to shorten lifespan by a few years.
RA does not kill people, but its complications can be fatal, such as the condition raising your risk of having cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death in people with RA). It can also affect your lungs and blood vessels and increase your risk of infections.
Although the disease cannot be cured, effective treatment can control the symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life and lifespan.
To achieve a longer and better quality of life:
- Take your medications as advised by your doctor.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Include lots of fiber in the form of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits in your diet.
- Limit the intake of processed, fatty, and sugary foods.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid smoking.
- Perform enough physical activity as advised by your doctor.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Maintain personal hygiene.
