Rheumatology

Types of Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatic diseases are conditions that usually affect joints, tendons, muscles, or bones. This is an umbrella term that encompasses arthritis but also some other conditions, many of which are inflammatory and/or autoimmune. Some of the most common types of arthritis are:

•       Osteoarthritis
•       Rheumatoid arthritis
•       Gout

Aside from arthritis, there is a variety of conditions that are also considered rheumatic, some of which include the following:

•       Fibromyalgia
•       Systemic lupus erythematosus
•       Scleroderma
•       Polymyalgia rheumatica

Rheumatic injectables, such as ENTYVIO®, can, in some cases, be used to treat conditions that are not considered rheumatic diseases – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can trigger rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Types of Arthritis Prescriptions

The type of treatment prescribed for arthritis varies from case to case. For some, physical therapy and lifestyle changes may be effective. Others may need the help of certain kinds of medications. Some therapeutic drugs that may be prescribed for the treatment of arthritis are:

•       Disease-modifying antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
•       Corticosteroids
•       Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs) NSAIDs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a type of medication that is most commonly incorporated into the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, some of them may also be used to help patients with other conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

There are three types of DMARDs:

•       Conventional
•       Targeted
•       Biologic

Biologics were introduced in the 1990s as an alternative way of treating inflammation in cases where conventional DMARDs were shown to be ineffective. They can be divided into several groups according to the way they work:

•       Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors
•       Anti-IL-1 agents
•       Anti-IL-6 agents
•       T-cell inhibitors
•       B-cell inhibitors
•       Interferon (IFN) inhibitors

DMARDs can be obtained in the form of injection, liquid, or pill. There is a variety of brands for different types and forms of DMARDs.

For instance, CIMZIA® and ORENCIA® are injections, while examples of medications used in infusions include MABTHERA®, ENTYVIO®, and REMICADE®. All of these products are biologics. You may buy rheumatology injectables online, but make sure to purchase from authentic sources.

When it comes to corticosteroids, they have multiple functions, including metabolic, neurologic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-suppressive. Similarly, NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory effects. They can be used to treat rheumatic diseases, reduce fever, and treat headaches.

Generally, NSAIDs have shown to be less effective than corticosteroids in treating arthritis-induced inflammation. However, they typically lead to fewer and less serious side effects.

Benefits of Rheumatology Injectables

Rheumatology injectables have the potential to help patients dealing with inflammation of the joints or other related issues. Some of the major benefits include:

•       reduced inflammation
•       pain relief
•       prevention of further joint damage

According to some statistics, biologic DMARDs seem to lead to better outcomes than conventional treatment options. According to the research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, patients treated with certolizumab pegol and abatacept are more likely to achieve remission than those who receive active conventional therapy.

Rheumatology Injectables Indications

Diagnostic indications for the use of rheumatology injectables depend on the type of injection or infusion solution. For instance, CIMZIA® is a TNF inhibitor that has been approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.

When it comes to IV fluids for rheumatologic conditions, solutions like REMICADE® treat similar conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Additionally, they can be used in the treatment of other conditions that are not necessarily rheumatic, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Rheumatology Injectables Side Effects and Contraindications

While rheumatology injectables can be extremely effective in treating rheumatic conditions, they may lead to side effects in some patients. The most common adverse reactions associated with injectable medication for treating rheumatic diseases are:

•       urinary tract infections
•       upper respiratory infections
•       rash
•       abdominal pain
•       headache
•       coughing

A smaller number of patients may experience more serious side effects after receiving a rheumatology injection or infusion, some of which may be fatal. This includes heart failure, serious infections, and allergic reactions, among other complications.

It is also important to note that rheumatology injectables are typically contraindicated in patients with heart failure and hypersensitivity to some of the ingredients. To avoid any complications, licensed administration of these injectables is crucial.

FAQ

What is the best injection for rheumatism?

Some rheumatology injections that have shown to be effective for a large number of patients include CIMZIA®, ORENCIA®, and REMICADE®.

Is it safe to get multiple steroid injections?

When it comes to treating inflammation with steroid injections, it is usually not recommended to have them injected more than three times a year into the same part of the body.

How do rheumatologists treat inflammation?

Depending on the type of rheumatological disease, various methods can be used to treat inflammation. Some patients may benefit from physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. In other cases, medications, such as DMARDs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids, are needed.

What is the most common treatment for psoriatic arthritis?

Some of the most common treatment options for psoriatic arthritis include medications, most commonly DMARDs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids. Physical therapy and exercise may also be beneficial, as well as lifestyle adjustments and heat and cold therapy.