If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your doctor may recommend that you begin treatment with one of several types of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) within a few months of diagnosis. One of the most important drugs in the arsenal for treating rheumatoid arthritis, DMARDs can often slow or stop the progression of RA by interrupting the immune process that promotes inflammation. However, they may take up to six months to be fully effective.
DMARDs have greatly improved the quality of life for many people with rheumatoid arthritis. These RA drugs are often used along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or glucocorticoids; however, with this type of medication, you may not need other anti-inflammatories or analgesics.