Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Taking allopathy. Can I take steroids?
Patient: Hi My mom is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis from 2 and half years, she started taking allopathy medicines initially but couldn t find any relief at all from the pain killers.. so she shifted to ayurvedam medicines..but since 6months pains got vey severe and she is unable to do basic day to day work too.. doctor prescribed zempred and some pain killers for 10 days ..is it ok to take steroids ..I heard that these medicines have side effects which tamper eye sight and other major health issues.. she is suffering a lot please suggest ? Doctor: Hello! Thanks for being with us.  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks joints. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.  Various treatments are available:  Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy but these do not stop the progression of joint destruction.  Analgesia (NSAIDs) and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are required to inhibit or halt the underlying immune process and prevent long-term damage.    In recent times the newer group of biologicals has increased treatment options.  Biologicals like infliximab,rituximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab,golimumab,interleukin 1 blockers such as anakinra can tried if 3 DMARDs in combination fail to respond.  I would like suggest to start her on low dose steroids e.g. prednisolone 5mg OD and 1 or 2 DMARDs like methotrexate,hydroxychloroquine ,leflunimide,sulfasalazine or azathioprine.  Low dose steroids does not harm much.Its benefit will be more than its harmful effects.  Aceclofenac or indomethacin can be given for pain relief.  Consult with a Rheumatologist  for better management.  Hope this will help you.  Wish your mom good health.