DRUG-TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS - UPDATE ON CONVENTIONAL AND LESS CONVENTIONAL METHODS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs comprise an important class of me dications that reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rhe umatoid arthritis. They bring relief to millions of people but do not eliminate underlying disease. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs al so bring relief, but these drugs are often ineffective and not well to lerated. Failure to provide long-term benefits combined with the high toxicity of most of the disease-modifying agents has prompted a search for more effective treatments. New methods using modem technologies h ave generated much enthusiasm and hold promise for the future In the m eantime, administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ju dicious use of disease-modifying agents remain the cornerstone of ther apy for arthritis.