Key Messages Arthritis affects children and can do so seriously and with devastating effects in some children. However, many do get better. Malaysia is plagued by various types of treatment, traditional and non-traditional which have not been proven, irresponsible and often harmful. Diagnosis is delayed and thus treatment is also delayed with consequent irreversible jointRead more
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Rheumatologists are specialist physicians who have had extra training to become experts in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The rheumatologist will work closely with you, your GP and other specialists, to find out what is wrong with you and then plan your management. Most of the rheumatologists are attached to the rheumatologyRead more
A Definition Of Terms The terms ‘arthritis’ and ‘rheumatism’ encompass a range of painful musculoskeletal conditions. This article provides a brief overview of the definitions of arthritis and rheumatism. What is Arthritis? The term arthritis describes a range of readily diagnosable inflammatory conditions of the joints. The classification, diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches to theseRead more
Why am I being prescribed azathioprine? Azaathioprine is used in the treatment of several different types of rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory muscle disease and vasculitis. Azathioprine has effects on the immune system ( the body’s own defence system). One of its actions is to reduce the activity of theRead more
Why am I being prescribed cyclophosphamide? Cyclophosphamide is used for several different types of rheumatic disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis and sometimes for rheumatoid arthritis. It is a very powerful drug and may have effects on the immune system (the body’s own defence system). One of its actions is to reduce the activityRead more
Why am I being prescribed cyclosporin? Cyclosporin is used for rheumatoid arthritis to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. It is also used for a number of other conditions such as psoriatic arthropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis and inflammatory muscle disease. When do I take cyclosporin? Cyclosporin comes as 25mg capsules. It is usually taken twiceRead more
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, itRead more
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,Read more
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 beRead more
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 withRead more
