Why am I prescribed hydroxychloroquine? Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which is used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces inflammation in your joints and makes the disease less active, so reducing pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. In SLE, it

Why am I being prescribed leflunomide? Leflunomide (trade name ‘Arava’) is used to treat inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is a ‘disease-modifying’ drug which, by its action on the immune system, can reduce the inflammation that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. When do I take leflunomide? Leflunomide comes as 10mg,

Why am I prescribed methotrexate? Methotrexate is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthropathy, vasculitis and inflammatory muscle disease. Methotrexate is a powerful drug and it is important that you follow some guidelines to make the treatment as safe as possible. The effects of methotrexate will not be

Why am I prescribed sulfasalazine? Sulfasalazine can reduce the symptoms and slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis, such as arthritis associated with psoriasis. The aim is to reduce the inflammation in your joints and decrease pain, swelling and stiffness. When do I take sulfasalazine? Sulfasalazine tablets should be taken with

Why am I prescribed steroid tablets? Steroids is used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis and inflammatory muscle disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, steroids are effective against swelling and inflammation. However, they only suppress the disease and do not cure it. Steroids can be