The best medicine for joint rheumatism + comprehensive treatment guide

• Hanieh Zahedi
• September 22, 2025
• 12:22 PM
• No comments

Many people ask doctors every day: "What is the best medicine for rheumatoid arthritis?" This important question shows the great concern of patients: finding a treatment that both reduces the symptoms and stops the progression of the disease.

No single drug is the best for all patients. First-line drugs such as methotrexate and combination drugs (such as sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine) are usually the starting point of treatment. If these drugs are not enough, doctors use biological drugs or inhibitors.

The fact is that rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) is a complex autoimmune disease and there is still no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

However, medical advances in recent decades have made effective drugs available to control inflammation, pain, and prevent joint destruction. Note that you should not take any medication without consulting a doctor. Read more: knee pain after exercise

What is rheumatoid arthritis and why is it important to treat it?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This attack causes inflammation, pain and swelling, and if it is not treated, the cartilage and bone are destroyed and the patient becomes immobilized. Drug treatment is vital because:

• Reduces pain and inflammation.
• Prevents irreversible joint damage.
• Improves the patient's quality of life.

Read more: What is the difference between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? They have

History of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

In the past, only pain relievers and simple anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed for these patients, which mostly reduced the symptoms, not the cause of the disease.

But with the discovery of DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs) such as methotrexate, treatments became more targeted. In the last two decades, the arrival of biological drugs and JAK inhibitors has created a big change and increased the hope of patients.

The best What is the medicine for rheumatoid arthritis? Common and traditional medicines (classical DMARDs) These medicines are the mainstay of treatment: Methotrexate: the most effective first-line medicine; It reduces inflammation and prevents joint destruction. Hydroxychloroquine: suitable for mild cases or combined with other drugs. Sulfasalazine: usually used in combination with methotrexate. Leflunomide: an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate methotrexate. Biological drugs (Biologics)

More advanced drugs that act directly on inflammatory molecules.

• Adalimumab
• Etanercept
• Tocilizumab

These drugs are usually prescribed to patients who have not responded to classic drugs.

New and targeted drugs (Targeted therapies)

JAK inhibitors: such as tofacitinib and barcitinib.

These drugs inhibit intracellular signaling pathways and have a rapid effect in reducing inflammation and are one of the newest treatments for rheumatism.

Read more: The cause and treatment of swelling behind the knee Knee

How does methotrexate work?

Methotrexate limits the proliferation of immune cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis. As a result, the immune system becomes calmer and the inflammation decreases. The effect of the medicine usually appears after a few weeks, but if the patient takes it regularly, the best medicine for joint rheumatism, it can control the disease for years.

difference Biologics and traditional drugs

• Traditional (classical DMARDs): cheaper, with a wider effect but sometimes slower.
• Biologics: more expensive, more targeted and usually for patients resistant to traditional drugs.
• JAK inhibitors: new, oral and suitable for those who do not like injections.

Side effects of rheumatoid arthritis drugs

Any drug may have side effects.

• Methotrexate: nausea, hair loss and bone marrow suppression.
• Biologics: increased risk of infections, especially tuberculosis and hepatitis.
• JAK inhibitors: increased risk of infection and heart problems.

For this reason, periodic blood tests and regular examinations are essential. They can even use it for life. The goal of treatment is to "turn off the disease" and prevent recurrence. Arbitrary discontinuation of the drug can reactivate the disease.

Do drugs prevent joint destruction?

Yes. Scientific evidence has shown that the timely and regular use of DMARDs and biologicals can stop the joint destruction process and even help to partially restore the tissue.

How to use drugs

• Oral or rheumatism tablets: methotrexate (weekly dose), leflunomide, JAK inhibitors.
• Subcutaneous or intravenous injection: most biologicals such as adalimumab or Tocilizumab.
• The doctor determines the appropriate type and dose based on the severity of the disease and the patient's condition.

The role of lifestyle along with the drug

Nutrition

• What to eat to treat rheumatoid arthritis? Fatty fish (omega-3), Fresh vegetables, whole grains, turmeric and ginger.
• Forbidden foods in rheumatism: processed meats, fried foods, sugar and high sugar.

Supplements along with the best medicine for rheumatoid arthritis

• Vitamin D and calcium (to strengthen bones).
• Omega-3 (natural anti-inflammatory).
• Some patients use herbal supplements. They are used like turmeric, but they are not a substitute for medicine.

These are the best supplements for rheumatism.

Sports and physical therapy

• Light exercises such as walking, swimming and yoga.
• Stretching exercises to increase flexibility.

Stress and sleep management

Stress can exacerbate disease attacks. Relaxation techniques and adequate sleep play an important role in controlling the disease.

Enemy of rheumatism

• Cigarette: makes inflammation worse and reduces the effectiveness of drugs.
• Inactivity: causes dry joints.

Read more: The best nutrition to reduce inflammation Joints

Frequently Asked Questions

Methotrexate as the first line of treatment, and in resistant cases, biological drugs or JAK inhibitors.

By inhibiting the activity of immune cells and reducing inflammation.

Biologics are more targeted and are used in patients resistant to traditional drugs.

Infection, digestive problems, decrease in blood cells.

No; The choice of medicine depends on individual conditions and the doctor's opinion, Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad.

By inhibiting the immune system and blocking inflammatory molecules.

Usually long-term, even lifelong.

Yes, if they are consumed on time and regularly.

Mayo Clinic

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  Tehran, Jordan, after Mirdamad Qobadian West Street, No. 9, 1st floor, Dard Rad Clinic

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  Alborz, Karaj, Golshahr St. 45 meters, Arghvan West, Maryam Hospital, Dard Clinic

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About the doctor

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad, a super-specialist fellowship in pain control, has years of experience in the field of controlling severe back and spine pain. The process of pain control, procedures and nerve blocks are performed with ultrasound guidance in the operating room using a closed surgery method. In the pain clinic, they treat patients who are unable to perform open surgery for any reason, such as those who have underlying diseases, heart problems, or have undergone surgeries in the past.