DMARDs, which stands for Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, is a group of medications that can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The spelling of DMARDs can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as [ˌdiːˌemˌeɪrˈdis]. The phonemic breakdown of DMARDs is ‘D’ as in ‘dee’, ‘M’ as in ‘em’, ‘A’ as in ‘ay’, ‘R’ as in ‘are’, and ‘D’ as in ‘dee’, followed by an ‘s’. It is important to spell medical terminologies accurately to avoid misdiagnosis and complications.
DMARDs, an abbreviation for Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, refer to a class of medications used primarily in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs play a pivotal role in managing the symptoms of such autoimmune diseases while also potentially impeding the progression of joint damage. DMARDs work by either suppressing the immune system or by directly altering the immune response, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing further destruction of tissues and joints.
There are two main categories of DMARDs: traditional or conventional DMARDs and biologic DMARDs. Traditional DMARDs include frequently prescribed medications such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide. These drugs are generally taken orally or administered through injections and can take several weeks or even months to display noticeable effects. On the other hand, biologic DMARDs are a more recent development in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. These drugs are derived from living cells and primarily target specific molecules or cells involved in the immune response. They are commonly given through injections or infusions and include medications such as etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, tocilizumab, and rituximab.
While DMARDs can provide significant relief from symptoms and slow disease progression for many patients, they may also be associated with certain side effects. Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, liver toxicity, increased risk of infections, and various allergic reactions. Therefore, patients often require regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function, and sometimes tuberculosis screening while taking DMARD therapy. A rheumatologist or specialist doctor typically prescribes and monitors the use of DMARDs to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimize potential risks.