Abatacept (Orencia) is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Read more
Adalimumab (Humira, Amgevita, Amsparity, Hefiya, Hulio, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi, Yuflyma) is a an anti-TNF (anti-tumour necrosis factor) drug. It is available for people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Read more
Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride, Astilin) belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Although they are still used to treat anxiety and depression, they are also now widely used at lower doses to help block the chronic (long-term) pain of some rheumatic conditions. Read more
Apremilast (Otezla) is a type of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used to treat psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Read more
Azathioprine (Imuran, Imuger) is a type of drug known as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, or DMARD. It is used to treat several different types of rheumatic disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Read more
Baricitinib (Olumiant) is a type of drug known as a JAK inhibitor, and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Read more
Biologic response modifiers – also known as biologics, are targeted medications that modify the abnormal response of the immune system that cause arthritis. Read more
A biosimilar medicine is a highly similar, but not identical, copy of an originator biologic medicine. A biosimilar contains a version of an active substance of a biologic medicine, which is referred to as the ‘reference medicine’ or ‘originator medicine’. Read more
CBD oil is a type of cannabinoid mixed with another oil such as coconut or hemp. There is currently not enough evidence based research to support using cannabinoids in reducing musculoskeletal pain. Read more
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is an anti-TNF drug. It is available for people with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis). Read more
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) belong to the second group of drugs and are used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Most DMARDs act by regulating the immune system. Read more
Etanercept (Enbrel, Benepali, Erelzi, Lifmior, Nepexto ) is a type of drug known as an anti-TNF. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and JIA. Read more
Golimumab (Simponi) is an anti-TNF drug, used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Read more
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Hydroxychloroquine sulfate) is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, discoid lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Read more
Infliximab (Remicade, Flixabi, Inflectra, Remsima, Zessly) is an anti-TNF (anti-tumour necrosis factor) drug. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and occasionally it is used in severe ankylosing spondylitis. Read more
Steroids reduce inflammation which helps ease pain and reduce stiffness. They are used to treat any inflammatory arthritis. They can be given in tablet form or as an injection. Read more
Methotrexate is a type of drug known as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and vasculitis. Read more
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation, which helps to ease joint pain and stiffness. Some commonly used NSAIDs are available to buy over the counter. Stronger types are only available on prescription. Read more
Painkillers are drugs that help to reduce pain. When we talk about painkillers, we are usually referring to a group of drugs called analgesics. Read more
Rituximab (MabThera, Blitzima, Ritemvia, Rixathon, Riximyo, Ruxience, Truxima) is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis and dermatomyositis Read more
Secukinumab (trade name Cosentyx) is a type of biological therapy and can be prescribed for adults with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Read more
Sulfasalazine is a type of drug known as a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It is used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and arthritis associated with bowel inflammation. Read more
Tocilizumab (RoActemra) is a type of drug called a biological therapy. It can be prescribed for people with rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Read more