Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

These drugs are given to try to slow the disease. They work by suppressing the immune system.

Nonbiological DMARDs may include methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. Biologic DMARDs may include antithymocyte globulin, imatinib, or rituximab

Some problems may be:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Liver inflammation
• Bladder inflammation
• Kidney damage
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• High blood pressure

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Some NSAIDs are available as over the counter medicines. This is given as a prescription to deliver a higher dosage. NSAIDs help ease inflammation, swelling, and joint pain.

Some problems may be:

• Stomach upset
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Kidney damage
• Liver inflammation
• Confusion

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medicines. They are given to ease swelling, inflammation, and joint pain.

Short-term problems may be:

• Problems sleeping
• Lack of hunger
• Mood swings
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes

Long-term problems may be:

• Weakening of the immune system and a higher risk of infections
• Thinning, weak bones—osteoporosis
• Cataracts, glaucoma
• Stomach upset
• Swelling in the hand, face, and legs
• Easy bruising
• Gastritis

Calcium-channel Blockers

Calcium-channel blockers can ease symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon by relaxing blood vessels. This allows better blood flow through the fingers, toes, and the tip of the nose. There will be less skin discoloring, numbness, and tingling. They can also lower the risk of sores or ulcers on the fingertips.

Calcium-channel blockers may also be given to treat high blood pressure.

Problems may be:

• Low blood pressure
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Headache
• Swelling

Vasodilators

These medicines are used for Raynaud phenomenon that is not helped by other methods. They are also used to heal sores on the fingers and to treat pulmonary hypertension.

May include bosentan, ambrisentan, or sildenafil

Problems may be:

• Liver damage
• Blood pressure changes
• Deadly pulmonary artery pressure changes

Blood Pressure Medicines

Blood pressure medicines are given to lower high blood pressure.

May include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers.

Problems may be:

• Flushing of the skin
• Cough
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Jaw pain
• Fainting

Prostanoids

Prostanoids are given to improve blood flow.

Problems may be:

• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Cough
• Light-headedness
• Diarrhea or constipation

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be given to help treat diarrhea. This is often caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

Problems may be:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Antibiotic allergic reaction
• Sun sensitivity

H-2 Blockers

H-2 blockers help ease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn and indigestion.

Problems may be:

• Light-headedness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors ease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn, indigestion, and problems swallowing.

Problems may be:

• Light-headedness
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal Stimulants

These medicines are given to improve problems swallowing.

Problems may be:

• Heart rhythm problems
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset, cramping
• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Sleepiness

Antacids

Antacids work to balance acidity in the stomach. They are given to ease heartburn and indigestion

Problems may be:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation