Diseases
rheumatoid arthritis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system (which usually fights infection) attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.
Symptoms
- tender, warm, swollen joints
- joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity.
- fatigue, fever and loss of appetite
Causes
- doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. while your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more likely to react to environmental factors,
- such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria — that may trigger the disease.
Risk factors
- women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
- rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it mostly begins in middle age.
- family history, smoking, excess weight.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- imaging tests, or mri
- c-reactive protein test
- rheumatoid factor
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system (which usually fights infection) attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
tender, warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity., fatigue, fever and loss of appetite
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. while your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more likely to react to environmental factors,; such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria — that may trigger the disease.
Which medicines are used for rheumatoid arthritis?
abatacept, aceclofenac, adalimumab, anakinra, azathioprine, baricitinib, celecoxib, certolizumab pegol, cyclosporin, dexibuprofen, dexketoprofen, diclofenac, diflunisal, etanercept, etodolac, etoricoxib, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, gold sodium thiomalate (discontinued), golimumab
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