DMARDs suppress symptoms of RA and slow the progression of the disease. They don't reverse the effects of arthritis and they can have serious side effects. DMARDs for RA include Arava, Ridaura, Plaquenil, methotrexate, Leukeren, and Cytoxan. Only Arava and Ridaura were actually developed for use with RA patients. The others were being used for other conditions first and found to be effective with RA.

For osteoarthritis (OA), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are still the most commonly used agents. NSAIDs reduce inflammation bringing patients pain relief and improved function. Aspirin and ibuprofen are the most commonly used NSAIDs.

Disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADSs) are not yet available and remain in the research stage. Scientists hope to develop DMOADs that can restore normal metabolism in the joints and possibly even repair cartilage cells that aren't working properly. The goal is to find agents that will permit joint healing.

New understanding of the processes behind OA are quickly opening up doors into the search for an effective DMOADs. Such a drug may even replace NSAIDs and other drugs used in the treatment of OA.