Advances in non-biological drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

• Published in: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy Vol. 25; no. 1; p. 45
• Main Authors: Venetsanopoulou, Aliki I, Voulgari, Paraskevi V, Drosos, Alexandros A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2024
• Subjects: Corticosteroids; Hydroxychloroquine; non-biological drugs; Sulfasalazine; methotrexate; Leflunomide; conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; rheumatoid arthritis
• ISSN: 1744-7666
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2297798

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide, with a systemic impact. This review explores the role of non-biological conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in its management. We discuss the effectiveness and safety of key csDMARDs such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, and Leflunomide in relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. We also highlight the importance of combination therapy using csDMARDs, supported by clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of various csDMARD combinations. Early intervention with these drugs is emphasized to prevent joint damage, improve clinical symptoms, and enhance patient outcomes. Overall, csDMARDs have proven pivotal in managing RA, providing cost-effective and versatile treatment options. We acknowledge the advantages of biologics but highlight the associated challenges, making the choice between non-biological and biological drugs a personalized decision. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a deeper understanding of RA treatment strategies, contributing to improving the quality of life for patients with this chronic condition.