Definition

• Early treatment is considered treatment given two years or prior into the disease diagnosis.
  
  

Expert Insight

• According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, patients have an increased chance of early detection of rheumatoid arthritis due to modern detection science.
  
  

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

• ArthritisToday.org refers to a 1989 study that determined how important it is to begin arthritis treatment early using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate to slow the progression of the disease.
  
  

DMARD Warning

• Side effects vary but may include liver damage, bone marrow suppression and severe lung infections.
  
  

Immunosuppressants

• Immunosuppressants help control the immune system and stop it from continuing to destroy joints. Aazathioprine, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide are examples of these drugs.
  
  

Immunosuppressants Warning

• Using these drugs affects the body's ability to fight infection.