tablet, gel, cream or spray

NSAIDs reduce inflammation, joint swelling and stiffness. They are very common and you can buy ones like ibuprofen over the counter. They don’t protect you from the long-term damage RA can cause, and they can also give you stomach problems if taken for a long time.

infusion

These medicines help control RA by destroying another category of immune system cells called B cells.

Approved for use in Australia in 1998.

tablet

This class of treatment works by blocking a cellular signaling pathway (Janus-associated kinase or JAK) inside cells. This stops components that cause inflammation from being made. Whilst all other biologic DMARDS block inflammation from outside of the cell, JAK-inhibitors work from within the cells.

Approved for use in Australia in 2015.

Tablet, injection or infusion

Synthetic medicines that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone your body produces naturally. They work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. They’re usually not used long-term because of the side effects (like weight gain or making your bones and muscles weak). If you do have them over longer periods it would usually be at a much lower dose.

Self-injection or infusion

This type of biologic DMARD blocks the action of an immune system protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1). This protein plays a major role in controlling local and systemic inflammation in the body.

Approved for use in Australia in 2003.

Self-injection or infusion

T-cells, or T lymphocytes, play a key role in the immune response involved in RA. In RA overproduction of T-cells leads to chronic inflammation, pain and disease progression. T-cell inhibitor drugs not only reduce T-cell production, but can also play a role in inhibiting TNF activity.

Approved for use in Australia in 2007

Tablet, injection or infusion

Used to treat inflammation in RA, they act on the immune system to cause ‘immunosuppression’. This reduces the activity of the immune system which is attacking and damaging healthy joints, to provide pain relief, reduce swelling and stop your RA from getting worse. There are also genetically engineered versions of DMARDs known as ‘biological DMARDs’. You will usually have to try non-biologic DMARDs first, but if they haven’t worked or give you side effects, these are the next step.

Self-injection or infusion

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays an important role in immune response and inflammatory reactions and is associated with abnormally high IL-6 levels in RA. IL-6 inhibitors bring down the levels of this pro-inflammatory protein.

Approved for use in Australia in 2009.

Self-injection or infusion

These medicines work by interfering with the activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF proteins play an important role in controlling immune responses. But in RA they produce abnormal amounts that drive joint inflammation and destruction.

Approved for use in Australia in 2000.