Chemotherapy Medications to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage.
Chemotherapy drugs are medications that destroy fast-growing cells in the body, like cancer cells. However, chemotherapy drugs can also damage healthy cells in the body that divide quickly, such as cells in the hair follicles or gastrointestinal tract.
In the case of RA, doctors may prescribe certain chemotherapy medications, like methotrexate, using a different dose than used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy drugs, when used to treat RA, are called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They target the immune cells that are rapidly dividing, similar to how they target cancer cells. DMARDs work by blocking the actions of the immune cells that are attacking healthy joints, helping to prevent further damage and slow down the progression of the disease. In RA treatment, doses of chemotherapy medications used are lower than used for treating cancer.
Although chemotherapy drugs used for RA are used at lower doses, they may still have side effects. Side effects depend on the specific chemotherapy drug used. Common side effects include nausea and hair loss, which occur because these medications can also damage healthy cells in the body. Regular monitoring, such as blood tests, are important to check for possible side effectss from chemotherapy medications use for RA.
Examples of medications that may be used to treat cancer and RA include methotrexate and rituximab. Other chemotherapy medications may be used for RA; however, methotrexate is the most often used as a RA DMARD.
The mechanism of action of chemotherapy drugs in treating RA is not fully understood. They may alter the path between the immune system and inflammation response. Another proposed mechanism this they destroy rapidly-dividing immune cells involved in RA. By targeting these immune cells, chemotherapy drugs can help prevent damage to the joints and slow down the progression of the disease.
It's important to note that chemotherapy drugs used for RA treatment are typically given at lower doses compared to their use in cancer treatment. This helps minimize side effects while still providing therapeutic benefits for managing RA symptoms.
While chemotherapy drugs can be effective in treating RA, it's essential to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits associated with this type of treatment. In some cases, such as people who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, chemotherapy medications should be avoided. The healthcare provider will consider your individual needs and medical history to determine the most appropriate approach for managing your rheumatoid arthritis.
How to use chemotherapy medication for RA depends on the specific medication used. Chemotherapy used for RA is usually prescribed by an arthritis specialist, such as a rheumatologist.
For methotrexate, the chemotherapy drug most commonly used as a DMARD, information to know includes:
- Methotrexate for RA is usually taken once a week as an oral (by mouth) pill. The healthcare provider will usually prescribe a very low dose to start and slowly increase the dosage.
- Folic acid (folate) is a vitamin that may also be prescribed to be taken every day. Folic acid helps reduce certain side effects of methotrexate.
- Lab tests will be needed to monitor the effect of methotrexate on RA and potential side effects that affect the liver and blood cells.
- Methotrexate may interact with other medications. It is important to let all your healthcare providers know what prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.
- Methotrexate may cause birth defects and should not be used by people who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant. An effective form of birth control should be used while taking methotrexate. This applies to men and women taking methotrexate.
- Limit alcohol drinking while on methotrexate. Alcohol increases the risk of liver side effects.
Side effects methotrexate taken at the lower doses used for RA include:
- Mouth sores or ulcers, especially when starting treatment.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Hair thinning.
- Low blood counts: Methotrexate can affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to low red blood cell counts (anemia), low white blood cell counts (increased risk of infection), and low platelet counts (increased risk of bleeding or bruising). Low blood counts may be monitored through regular blood tests.
- Liver effects: Methotrexate can irritate the liver. People who have a history of heavy alcohol use, hepatitis, jaundice, or liver disease may be more like to have liver effects. Liver side effects may be monitored through regular blood tests.
Other chemotherapy medications may be used for RA. Consult the healthcare provider for medication use information for other chemotherapy medications used for RA.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with chemotherapy used for RA may vary. The specific drugs used and individual response to treatment can influence the side effects and success rates. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Medication side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information. Also, always consult with your doctor before considering any home remedies or over-the-counter medications.