Slow-acting
Second line
Disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
All of these names apply to a group of drugs essentially used as a second line of defense against rheumatoid arthritis after less potent drugs are deemed ineffective. They are also used for ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and related conditions.
The drugs are considered remittive because they can slow down the disease process, though seldom lead to a complete remission. Since it may take 6 to 8 months for the drugs to evoke a response, they are viewed as slow-acting drugs and are chosen as a second line treatment option after aspirin and NSAIDs fail.
It is not exactly understood how DMARDs work. DMARDs appear to decrease some inflammation though they are not categorized as antiinflammatory drugs. They are unlike NSAIDs since they do not decrease prostaglandin production, do not directly relieve pain, nor reduce fever. In effect, DMARDs slow the disease process by modifying the immune system in some way. Many misconceptions have become a prelude to the use of DMARDs for arthritis. The effectiveness, safety, side effects, and duration of use all have been questioned by concerned patients. Studies throughout the years have shown DMARDs to be very effective drugs, with uncommonly observed serious side effects. Frequent laboratory monitoring helps control the risk of side effects. Once thought to be a short-term treatment, DMARDs are now regarded as a long-term solution to controlling symptoms.
Gold
Discovered accidentally by a French physician, gold salts have been used for the treatment of arthritis for over 50 years. Jacques Forrestier injected gold salts into a tuberculosis patient to treat the infection. The patient coincidentally had arthritis and after many months of treatment with gold, the arthritis improved. Gold has been used to treat arthritis ever since.
The mechanism of how gold works is unclear but apparently it interferes with functions of white blood cells responsible for joint damage and inflammation. Though gold may slow destruction, it cannot correct existing joint deformities.
Gold was originally available only as an injectable drug. Given on a continuous maintenance schedule, it requires routine blood and urine tests to be administered. In 1986, gold became available in oral form with the trade name Ridaura. The most common side effects associated with injectable gold are an itchy rash on lower extremities and mouth ulcers which usually disappear when the medicine is stopped. Oral gold has fewer side effects but can cause transitory diarrhea or loose bowel movements. Gold seems to work extremely well for 10 percent of patients and very well for another 30-40 percent. Fifty percent of patients discontinue use due to side effects or ineffectiveness.
Penicillamine
Penicillamine, a distant relative of penicillin, became available in the seventies. Penicillamine is known as a chelator because it can bind heavy metals in the body. Its mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis is not known but it is thought to alter the function of white blood cells responsible for joint damage. It may become more active when it combines with copper naturally present in the body.
Penicillamine is given orally beginning with low doses and increasing the dose slowly. It is taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or after meals. If effective the patient must stay on this treatment course indefinitely. Side effects are similar to those of gold with the most commonly observed as skin rashes, mouth sores, loss of taste and gastrointestinal upset. Protein in the urine test can be an early sign of kidney damage.
Penicillamine can be used together with NSAIDs, though the NSAID should be taken during meals. Patients who are allergic to penicillin can still take penicillamine. It is effective in about 30 percent of patients.
Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)
Plaquenil has been available for many years and was originally used to treat malaria. It is simple to use, has few side effects, and does not require monitoring with blood tests. Plaquenil is used for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who do not respond well to NSAIDs. It seems to be effective in about 30 percent of patients. It is also used for patients with SLE (lupus).
Plaquenil appears to interfere with immune cell function. The drug is given orally, one or two tablets a day. One rare serious side effect is the deposit of the drug in the retina with the potential of visual impairment. An ophthalmology exam is recommended every six months. NSAIDs can be taken with plaquenil and are often prescribed together.
