Patient education: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (13 December 2021)

Summary

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a group of medications commonly used in people with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work by work suppressing the body's overactive immune and/or inflammatory systems and take effect over weeks or months.

This information guide gives information for patients on conventional and biologic DMARDS, including how they work, the different kinds available and their side effects.