title: Slow-acting anti-rheumatic drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that frequently can be controlled with a program of physical therapy, rest and therapeutic doses of aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. However, some patients' diseases are not controlled on this regimen. These patients are candidates for therapy with slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs. This article discusses the indications for use of these medications as well as the potential benefits and adverse drug reactions commonly associated with their use.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006046:Gold / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012460:Sulfasalazine; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D006046:Gold; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D010396:Penicillamine; D001379:Azathioprine; D008727:Methotrexate