Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease that causes persistent inflammation in joints and may affect other organs. It differs from osteoarthritis and needs early assessment when swelling continues.
Voveran SR
100mg
Voveran SR is diclofenac 100mg in a prolonged-release tablet for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, releasing the NSAID gradually.
Voltaren SR
100mg
Voltaren SR is diclofenac 100mg in a modified-release tablet for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Aceclofenac Tablets
100 · 200mg
Aceclofenac 100mg and 200mg tablets, an NSAID used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Cyclooxygenase is the target.
Azulfidine
500mg
Sulfasalazine 500mg tablets, used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A sulfonamide DMARD.
Methotrexate Tablets
2.5mg
Methotrexate 2.5mg tablets, used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease. A folic acid antagonist blocking dihydrofolate reductase.
Key points
- Prolonged morning stiffness, warm swollen joints and a similar pattern on both sides can suggest RA, but no single symptom confirms it.
- Examination, inflammation markers, rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies and imaging may support diagnosis; results must be interpreted together.
- Pain relievers can ease symptoms but do not prevent joint damage; disease-modifying treatment addresses the inflammatory process.
Catalogue matches do not diagnose RA or indicate a safe anti-inflammatory, steroid or immune-modifying regimen.
Which early signs matter?
RA often affects hands, wrists or feet and may cause fatigue or reduced function. Persistent objective swelling matters more than brief aches. Joint patterns, symptom duration and alternatives such as infection, gout or another autoimmune disease shape the assessment.
What are treatments trying to do?
Medicines such as naproxen may reduce pain but carry gastrointestinal, kidney and cardiovascular risks. A rheumatologist selects disease-modifying autoimmune support according to activity, pregnancy plans, infection risk and monitoring needs. Exercise and physiotherapy help preserve movement.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent assessment for a suddenly hot, very painful joint with fever, chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness, or fever while taking immune-suppressing treatment.