Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the most common types of arthritis, affecting more than 1.5 million Americans.
It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation of the joints. RA occurs when the body attacks its own healthy joint tissues, resulting in inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain.
Most drugs advised for the treatment of RA block inflammation, preventing further damage to the joints.
Generic Drugs for RA
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are the commonly prescribed RA medications that reduce inflammation of the joints, tendons, and bursas. In the United States, more than 33 million people use NSAIDs regularly. Some of the commonly advised generic drugs that belong to NSAIDs include:
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Ecotrin (aspirin)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Indocin (indomethacin)
- Mobic (meloxicam)
- Aleve (naproxen)
- Voltaren (diclofenac)
Analgesics
Analgesics are nothing but painkillers. Some analgesics are available over-the-counter (without a prescription), while some require a prescription, especially the ones that fall under the category called narcotic pain relievers. Doctors may advise the following analgesics to treat RA:
- Advil (ibuprofen)
- Ecotrin (aspirin)
- Darvon (propoxyphene)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Aleve (naproxen)
- Wygesic (propoxyphene and acetaminophen)
- Codeine (codeine)
- Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Percocet or Tylox (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
BRMs and DMARDs
Biological response modifiers (BRMs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) modify the body’s response to the disorder. They decrease inflammation and slow the progression of RA. The most common BRMs for RA include:
- Orencia (abatacept)
- Rituxan (rituximab)
- Actmera (tocilizumab)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Enbrel (etanercept)
The most common DMARDs used for the treatment of RA include:
- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Arava (leflunomide)
- Trexall (methotrexate)
- Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
- Minocin (minocycline)
Steroids
Corticosteroids, or glucocorticoids, are medications that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They are often used in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the commonly advised corticosteroids include
- Decadron (dexamethasone)
- Deltasone (prednisone)
- Medrol (methylprednisolone)
- Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone)
Immunosuppressant Drugs
Immunosuppressants fight off the damage caused by RA or other autoimmune diseases. However, these drugs may make you vulnerable to infection and illness. Doctors will watch you closely during treatment if they give Immunosuppressants, such as:
- Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
- Neoral (cyclosporine)
- Imuran (azathioprine)
It is important to work with your PCP and rheumatologist to find the treatment that is suitable for you. There are many options and your doctor will find the one that can ease your symptoms of RA. Please note that RA is not curable but it is treatable with cost-effective generic drugs, improving your quality of life.
