Biologic Response Modifiers (Biologics)
Biologic Response Modifiers (BRMs) stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight disease or infection. BRMs are drugs derived from living sources as opposed to being synthesized chemicals.
Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab), and Humira (adalimumab), target TNF-alpha, one of the most important cytokines involved in rheumatoid arthritis. BRMs which bind to TNF-alpha, render it inactive, interfering with inflammatory activity and ultimately decreasing joint damage.Kineret (anakinra), also a BRM, is considered an IL-1 antagonist. Kineret is the first selective blocker of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a protein which is found in excess in rheumatoid arthritis patients. By blocking IL-1, Kineret inhibits inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Kineret can be used alone, or in combination with DMARDs other than anti-TNF drugs.
Orencia (abatacept) is the first T-cell co-stimulation modulator approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rituxan, the world's best-selling cancer drug, was FDA approved 3/1/2006 to be used in combination with methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the signs and symptoms in adult patients who have moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis and have failed one or more anti-TNF drugs. Rituxan is the first treatment for rheumatoid arthritis which selectively targets the CD20-positive B-cells.
More About Biologics:
- Biologic Response Modifier: What Is It?
- TNF Blockers (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) - Test Your Knowledge
- The Facts Of Rituxan
- Orencia (Abatacept) Approved For Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Orencia vs. TNF Antagonists: What's the Difference Between Orencia and Other Biologics?
Fibromyalgia Drugs
Fibromyalgia features a long list of drug treatment options, however, currently there are no drugs approved by the FDA for treating fibromyalgia, although a few such drugs are in development. Doctors treat fibromyalgia with a variety of drugs developed and approved for other purposes.
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Gout Drugs
Gout is one of the most acutely painful forms of arthritis. It can be managed through medication and diet. There are three aspects to the drug treatment of gout: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory agents and drugs to manage the underlying metabolic problem that causes high blood levels of uric acid and leads to gout attacks.
Drugs for gout include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other analgesic painkillers, for pain relief.
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), more specifically indomethacin (Indocin), for inflammation.
- Colchicine, prevents or relieves gout attacks.
- Corticosteroids, for anti-inflammatory response.
- Probenecid (Benemid, Probalan) to decrease uric acid blood levels.
- ColBenemid (Col-Probenecid and Proben-C), has anti-gout properties.
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim), to lower blood uric acid by preventing uric acid production.
- Losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), not specifically a gout drug, is an antihypertensive drug that may help control uric acid levels.
- Fenofibrate (Tricor), not a specific gout drug, is a lipid-lowering drug that may help uric acid levels.
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Osteoporosis Drugs
Osteoporosis is a condition of weakened, porous bones most common to the elderly but also problematic for people who have taken corticosteroids (steroids) longterm. There are several categories of drug options for osteoporosis: estrogens, parathyroid hormones, bone formation agents, bisphosphonates, and selective receptor molecules. Depending on what drug is used you can slow bone loss, promote bone growth, and reduce the risk of fractures.
Drugs for osteoporosis include:
- Actonel (Risedronate)
- Boniva (Ibandronate)
- Didronel (Etidronate)
- Estrogens (Hormone Therapy)
- Evista (Raloxifene)
- Forteo (Teriparatide)
- Fosamax (Alendronate)
- Miacalcin (Calcitonin)
More About Osteoporosis:
Related Resources - Arthritis Drugs
- Arthritis Drugs
- Arthritis Drugs (Side Effects / Adverse Reactions)
- Inflammation: The Battle Within
- The Facts Of Analgesics (Painkillers)
- The Facts of NSAIDs
- The Facts of DMARDs
- The Facts of Corticosteroids
- Biologic Response Modifier: What Is It?
- Arthritis Medications: Test Your Knowledge
Part 1 includes: NSAIDs, COX-2 Inhibitors, DMARDs, Steroids, and Analgesics
