Diagnosis and Assessment:

Accurate diagnosis of the type of arthritis and a thorough assessment of its severity and impact on the patient’s daily life are essential.

Medications:

Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) may recommend various medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. Other options include analgesics (pain relievers), corticosteroids (for short-term relief), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics (for certain types of arthritis).

• Biologic Response Modifiers: Biologics are a class of medications that target specific components of the immune system involved in arthritis. They are typically used for moderate to severe forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Examples include etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), and infliximab (Remicade).
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of arthritis. They are often used for short-term relief during flares or in combination with other medications.
• Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: JAK inhibitors are a newer class of medications that target the Janus kinase enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. Examples include tofacitinib (Xeljanz) and baricitinib (Olumiant).
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Inhibitors: IL-6 inhibitors, such as tocilizumab (Actemra), specifically target the interleukin-6 pathway and are used for the treatment of certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.