What is Imuran?Imuran (azathioprine) is an immunosuppressant that changes the DNA structure of certain cells.It is used for rheumatoid arthritis that is difficult to treat and does not respond to other agents.Imuran in a dosage of 1 to 2.5 milligrams is generally given per kilogram of body weight. If your doctor weighs you before beginning this agent, this is why.Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and occasionally hepatitis or problems with the making of blood cells are seen with this agent. If you also have gout and are taking the drug allopurinal (Zyloprim), make sure you tell your doctor, as your Imuran dosage will have to be adjusted.
What is leflunomide?This drug’s brand name is Arava. It is another drug that acts on the DNA of cells like the T cells. It is new and quite useful in the treatment of RA and is as effective as methotrexate or sulfasalazine.The doctor gives you a loading dose in order to get the blood levels of the drug up to therapeutic levels in your body: The patient is started with 100 milligrams per day for three days. After three days, the dose is lowered to 20 milligrams daily. If the patient tolerates the drug, the dose can be lowered to 10 milligrams per day.Diarrhea is the most frequent side effect. Changes in the liver function tests, reversible hair loss, and a rash are all part of this drug’s side effects.Women who expect to become pregnant and men expecting to father a child should discontinue the drug and replace it with cholestyramine for eleven days to bind up the drug and eliminate it. Your doctor can test your blood levels to make sure that it is out of your system before you get pregnant or father a child.*35/141/5*
Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category
People are often surprised to discover how much inner strength they can muster when they are faced with adversity. The truth, however, is that we all depend on our inner resources to get through each day. Intangibles such as courage, optimism, and faith as well as our creativity and skill in problem solving are at our disposal to help us overcome hurdles.You don’t have to depend solely on your own inner strength, however. Family, friends, health care professionals, arthritis support groups, religious groups, social service organizations, and vocational rehabilitation centers – any and all of these can provide an invaluable source of support and encouragement. Although some of these people are trained and skilled in helping, others who are willing to help will need some guidance to know what they are to do.Although you may be hesitant to seek outside help, you might consider that utilizing the special skills and support of other people is a coping strategy that benefits you and them. Ironically, by helping you to help yourself, their assistance may allow you to retain your independence. Their lives will also be richer since they have been able to contribute something to someone who needed their help.*36/209/5*
What are leukocytes?
Leukocytes are white blood cells. When antigens invade tissues, leukocytes often secrete various chemicals in an attempt to kill the foreign organisms. These chemicals cause inflammation in the area where they are secreted. The leukocytes are major players in rheumatoid arthritis because they cause much of the inflammation involved in the disorder.
Why rheumatoid arthritis is called an inflammatory disease?
The pain, redness, and swelling present in rheumatoid arthritis are results of inflammation.
How does inflammation occur?
Inflammation is a result of a series of chemical reactions. When the immune system detects an antigen, the white cells trigger the release of inflammatory mediators-chemicals including prostaglandins, nitrous oxide, oxygen radicals, among others-to fight the antigen. These mediators cause pain, redness, and swelling in the affected joint.
What causes the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis?
In rheumatoid arthritis, there is no obvious foreign tissue that triggers the inflammation. It is generally believed that this disease is not a result of changes in temperature or pressure or of microorganisms (at least that have yet been identified). There are countless theories of possible causes of RA. The presence of macrophages indicates that there is injury or invasion within the joint and gives the signal for inflammation to occur. Again, the problem in rheumatoid arthritis is that there is no known invader. For this reason, it is believed that it is an autoimmune disorder-the immune system sees the tissues of the body’s own joints as an antigen.
What is pus?
Pus is a collection of dead white cells that have played a role in both the secretion of cytokines and the overall destructive process at the site of inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, pus rarely is seen because there are not that many white cells called to a joint. When pus is seen in any aspect of rheumatoid arthritis, it usually means that there has been infection.
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