Steroids such as prednisone are used for RA, although they are not a first choice due to side effects. DMADs appear to bring on remission symptoms. They include gold salts, penicillamine, and plaqeuenil. However, these drugs are treating the symptoms, not the disease, and may even further impair the cartilage, making the long-term situation worse. If you feel you need to use some sort of drug for arthritis, you should always consult with a health professional.
Many drugs do have side effects or work differently on some people.
More and more, people are realizing that serious gastrointestinal effects may result from continued use of the traditional drugs. Glycosaminoglycans Another avenue currently being explored by the medical community for treatment of OA uses substances derived from glycosaminoglycans. One substance, glucosamine sulfate, is derived from shellfish and acts to stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which in turn may aid in cartilage regeneration. A number of studies have shown encouraging results. Exercise and Attitude Exercise can improve muscles, build endurance, and give you more joint mobility with less pain and swelling.