`
`ADVERTISEMENT
`
`Arthritis Treatment > Medications > Types of Drugs > Disease-modifying Drugs > Drug Guide: DMARDs
`
`Drug Guide: DMARDs
`Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs stop or slow the disease
`progress.
`
`Text Size:
`
`
`email to a friend
`
`Like
`
`16
`
`2
`
`1
`
`ARTICLE
`
`COMMENTS
`
`What do they do?
`
`RELATED FEATURES
`
`A Drug for Bone Loss May Repair
`Cartilage
`
`Biologic an Effective First Therapy
`for Systemic JIA
`
`Chickenpox Vaccine May Be Safe
`and Effective for Kids with Arthritis
`
`Each disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) works in different ways to
`slow or stop the inflammatory process that can damage the joints and internal
`organs.
`
`Who are they for?
`
`ADVERTISEMENT
`
`Doctors prescribe DMARDs for people with inflammatory arthritis who are at risk
`of permanent joint damage. Most of the DMARDS in this guide are approved for
`rheumatoid arthritis. Some are also approved for ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic
`arthritis, juvenile inflammatory arthritis and lupus. Some DMARDs – for example,
`cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) – are reserved for
`people with diseases that have the potential to cause severe organ damage, such
`as lupus or vasculitis.
`
`What’s important to know about the drug class?
`
`DMARDs, particularly methotrexate, are often prescribed with other DMARDs or
`biologics. This is called combination therapy. While DMARDs can be effective in
`slowing or modifying the disease process, they do not work quickly. You will need
`to take them consistently for weeks or even months before you notice their
`beneficial effects. Your doctor may prescribe an NSAID and/or corticosteroid with
`a DMARD, at least initially until the DMARD takes effect.
`
`Before taking DMARDs (and any medication), always tell your doctor if you have
`an active infection, high blood pressure or a history of kidney or liver disease.
`Also talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.
`
`While taking DMARDs, it is important to be aware of any signs of infection –
`chills, fever, sore throat, painful urination, for example – and report them to your
`doctor immediately.
`
`See all DMARD drugs.
`
`Read Comments
`
`Add a Comment
`
`Text Size:
`
`
`email to a friend
`
`Like
`
`2
`
`1
`
`TREATMENT GUIDES
`
`Supplement Guide
`Everything you need to
`know about supplements
`and what they do for you.
`
`Drug Guide
`Learn about more than 100
`medications for arthritis
`and related diseases.
`
`http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/medications/types-of-drugs/disease-modifying-drugs/drug-guide-dmards.php[11/18/14 12:22:06 PM]
`
`Medac Exhibit 2067
`Koios Pharmaceuticals v. Medac
`IPR2016-01370
`Page 00001
`
`
`
`DMARDs | Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs | Arthritis Today Drug Guide
`
`16
`
`Like
`
`STAY CONNECTED
`
`Like
`
`16
`
`Tweet
`
`0
`
`1
`
`NEWSLETTERS
`
`Get the practical
`information you need
`to live better with
`arthritis delivered
`straight to your
`inbox!
`
`Arthritis Today
`
`How to reduce pain, find the right
`treatments and live better with arthritis.
`[Bi-weekly]
`
`Fitness + Nutrition
`
`Get weight-loss tips, arthritis-friendly
`recipes and ways to exercise safely. [Bi-
`weekly]
`
`Mind, Body, Spirit
`
`Find arthritis care tips, inspirational
`stories and Arthritis Foundation news.
`[Monthly]
`
`RA Insider
`
`Beyond the basics of rheumatoid arthritis:
`research, news and treatment. [Monthly]
`
`sign up
`
`ADVERTISEMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LIVING WITH
`ARTHRITIS
`Home
`About Arthritis
`Where It Hurts
`What You Can Do
`Arthritis Treatment
`
`TOOLS &
`RESOURCES
`FREE Newsletters
`Track + React
`Drug Guide
`Supplement Guide
`Expert Q&A
`
`HELPFUL
`LINKS
`Arthritis Foundation
`Our Mission
`Find a Local Office
`Donate
`Games
`
`OUR MAGAZINE
`ARTHRITIS TODAY
`Subscribe
`Give a Gift Subscription
`Renew Your Subscription
`Digital Edition
`Customer Service
`
`http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/medications/types-of-drugs/disease-modifying-drugs/drug-guide-dmards.php[11/18/14 12:22:06 PM]
`
`Page 00002
`
`
`
`DMARDs | Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs | Arthritis Today Drug Guide
`
`Tools & Resources
`News
`
`Glossary
`More Tools & Resources
`
`Site Map
`Contact Us
`
`Advertise
`In This Issue
`
`Privacy Policy | Code of Ethics
`
`© 2014 Arthritis Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
`
`The Arthritis Foundation does not provide medical advice,
`diagnosis or treatment. Learn more
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/medications/types-of-drugs/disease-modifying-drugs/drug-guide-dmards.php[11/18/14 12:22:06 PM]
`
`Page 00003
`
`