What were the first injectable medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis?
Historically, gold injections were among the earliest injectable treatments used for RA, becoming popular in the 1930s. They worked by blocking inflammation in the joints, similar to how modern DMARDs work. Gold injections are still occasionally Show Full Answer
What were the first injectable medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis?
Historically, gold injections were among the earliest injectable treatments used for RA, becoming popular in the 1930s. They worked by blocking inflammation in the joints, similar to how modern DMARDs work. Gold injections are still occasionally used today, though mainly in early RA when other treatments haven't worked. Later, corticosteroids like cortisone became widely used as injectables to reduce inflammation and slow joint damage. These can be injected directly into affected joints for faster relief during flares.
Today, the most common injectable medications for RA include:
- Methotrexate – A first-line DMARD that can be injected just under the skin
- Biologic DMARDs – Such as Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), and Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), given as subcutaneous injections
- IV infusion biologics – Such as Remicade (infliximab) and Orencia (abatacept), administered in a clinic
Always talk to your rheumatologist about which injectable option best suits your specific situation, as each carries its own benefits and potential risks.
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