Several treatment options are available\nto treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some may be better suited for you than others.\nSpeak to your doctor about the treatment options that work best for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment options for\nrheumatoid arthritis <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic\ncondition for which there is no known cure. In the last few years, a shift in\nthe strategy towards the earlier institution of disease-modifying drugs and the\navailability of new classes of drugs have greatly improved the outcomes that most\npatients can expect. The treatment goal is to achieve the lowest possible level\nof arthritis disease activity and remission, minimizing stiffness and pain,\nenhancing physical function, and thus improving the overall quality of life. The\nmost common treatment options are oral medications that reduce joint stress and\ninflammation. One of the classes of drugs commonly used in treating rheumatoid\narthritis is diseases modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Plaquenil comes\nunder the category of DMARDs and is extremely effective in reducing pain-associated\nsymptoms. It has been shown to alter the disease course and improve outcomes.\nThe disease-modifying arthritis drug contains the active ingredient\nHydroxychloroquine, first used to treat and prevent malaria. Today it is\nprescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms of lupus and childhood\narthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is still unknown why\nthis anti-rheumatoid drug is effective in treating autoimmune diseases. Experts\nbelieve that HCQ interferes with the communication of cells in the immune\nsystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternative for Plaquenil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaquenil is a brand-name drug, and its generic version is available as Hydroxychloroquine HCQ. Both are considered disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that decreases the pain and swelling of arthritis. Those looking for a Plaquenil alternative<\/a><\/strong> may go with the generic version-Hydroxychloroquine. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in brand-name medicine. The generic versions are safe and effective as the original ones. Moreover, Generic drugs tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n HCQ or Hydroxychloroquine is an\nantimalarial agent that is relatively safe and well tolerated for treating\nrheumatoid arthritis. The drug can prevent joint damage and is effective in\ntreating mild symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. HCQ is sometimes combined with\nmethotrexate for additive benefits for providing symptomatic relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The mechanism of action of HCQ in\nthe treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is still not known, but it\nis thought to have effects on the innate immune system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usage & Working<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hydroxychloroquine is available\nin the form of tablets before or after consuming food. Your doctor will advise\nyou on the correct dose. Usually, the treatment begins on a full dose of 200 to\n400 mg daily, and later your doctor may reduce this as the symptoms start to subside.\nOnce your condition is well controlled, you may be advised to take this\nmedicine only 2 to 3 times per week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n