ication. Combinations of medications often pro-
vide the greatest relief. Surgery to replace seri-
ously damaged joints with prosthetic joints
becomes a treatment option when other therapeu-
tic approaches cannot contain symptoms.
MEDICATIONS TO TREAT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
acetaminophen adalimumab
anakinra aspirin
azathioprine cyclosporine
etanercept gold salts
hydroxychloroquine ibuprofen
infliximab ketoprofen
leflunomide methotrexate
methylprednisolone naproxen
prednisolone prednisone
sulfasalazine
Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Researchers believe rheumatoid arthritis develops
when various genetic, environmental, and hor-
monal factors converge. But specific risk factors
remain elusive. There are no known measures to
prevent rheumatoid arthritis from developing.
Early diagnosis and treatment of juvenile rheuma-
toid arthritis are important to maintain optimal
joint structure, integrity, and function. Prevention
efforts focus on minimizing the consequences that
the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis causes,
to preserve joint function as well as QUALITY OF
LIFE.
See also AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS; CHONDROITIN;
GLUCOSAMINE; JOINT REPLACEMENT; LIVING WITH IMMUNE
DISORDERS; RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE; SAME; SCAR;
STRESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT; VASCULITIS; X-RAY.292 The Immune System and Allergies