Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part B (2023)

Drugs play an important role in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Five classes of drugs are used currently, such as Analgesics, Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, biologic &non-biologic and Disease Modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS eg: Methotrexate). Currently, anti-TNF (Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor) is the commonly used first line drug is abatacept. There is some evidence that tocilizumab is the most effective biologic as a monotherapy agent. The pharmacological treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a purely symptomatic therapy. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that has been shown to induce the inhibition of cartilage matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and slow down the progression of structural damage to the affected joint. Hence it has been recommended as a disease-modifying therapy for OA. Regular exercise and stretching can improve flexibility, relieve stiffness, and improve overall physical condition. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around specific joints. Supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and kinesiology tape, can help stay active. In some cases NSAIDS and joint replacement is not suitable, hence using strong pain killers such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone can help people with OA pain.