What are Cox-2 inhibitors? Prostaglandins are made by two different enzymes, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The prostaglandins made by the two different enzymes have slightly different effects on the body. COX-2 inhibitors are NSAIDs that selectively block the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of prostaglandins by...
What is anakinra? Anakinra (Kineret) is a synthetic (man-made), injectable, interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of human interleukin-1. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Is anakinra available as a generic drug? No Why is anakinra prescribed to patients? Anakinra is used for treating the signs and symptoms of moderate...
What is diclofenac and misoprostol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others that is used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs works by inhibiting the...
What is leflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive...
What is auranofin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Auranofin is an oral, gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available are injectable and include aurothioglucose (Solganal) and gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as...
What is temporal arteritis? Temporal arteritis is a rare but serious autoimmune disease. Temporal arteritis is a potentially serious condition with many complications if left untreated. Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the arteries around the scalp and neck region. It is often associated with a condition called polymyalgia...
What is a thumb injection? A thumb injection is a procedure in which medications, such as coricosteroids, are injected into the thumb joint to treat diseases of the joint. Thumb pain and stiffness can be debilitating and difficult to treat. It can negatively affect the quality of life and cause functional problems that can limit...
What is metacarpophalangeal arthrocentesis? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) helps diagnose inflammatory or non-inflammatory arthritis. Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) of the metacarpophalangeal joint is a diagnostic procedure involving the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid of the joints. It is an important component in diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from non-inflammatory arthritis. Arthrocentesis can also be...
What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a bone disorder. Bone loss happens when the body absorbs more bone than it can create Osteoporosis is a bone disorder. It weakens your bone density, or the amount of bone tissue in your body, and puts you at a higher risk of fractures. Weak bones break easily, even from...
What is hip arthroscopy? Hip arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the hip joint by inserting a specialized instrument (arthroscope) through a small surgical cut (incision) made on the skin and other soft tissues over the hip joint. Hip arthroscopy is a surgery used to diagnose and treat hip problems. Hip...