What is dmards?

Here are some examples of DMARDs. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by any brand names.

Some DMARDs are taken as pills, some are given as shots, and others are injected into a vein (infused).

• adalimumab (Humira)
• azathioprine (Zasan, Imuran)
• etanercept (Enbrel)
• infliximab (Remicade)
• leflunomide (Arava)
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

This is not a complete list of DMARDs.

DMARDs work in different ways to change how the immune system responds, and this helps slow or stop inflammation. And because inflammation plays a role in many diseases, slowing or stopping it helps with symptoms and may slow how fast a disease gets worse.

Cautions for DMARDs include the following:

• Because DMARDs act on the immune system, you may have a higher chance of getting certain infections and certain cancers.

DMARDs are used for many different conditions. They reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms such as pain, and can help slow some diseases. In some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, they may prevent joint damage and disability when they are started early.

DMARDs are used to treat conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

While taking this medicine, some people feel sick to their stomach or get a skin rash. Other side effects include flu-like symptoms and feeling tired.