2020 Volume 66 Issue 1 Pages 34-37
With the advent of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the treatment of RA has made a dramatic progress. The new treatment not only suppresses the joint swelling and tenderness but also it can maintain the function of daily life, further suppress joint destruction and aim for remission. Biological DMARDs and JAK inhibitor have the advantage that their effect is prompt and high efficacy is sustained over a long period of time, while disadvantages such as high risk of infection and high cost of treatment. Especially infection is serious side effect, but patients themselves should seek medical institutions promptly without missing a change in their physical condition, regularly conduct inspections even when there is no symptoms prevent infectious diseases in advance. It is important to have correct knowledge and share direction of treatment with their doctor.
