Infliximab

Infliximab is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). It is also used to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and plaque psoriasis. It can help suppress an overactive immune system, but can also increase your risk for certain infections. There are biosimilar versions of infliximab, which are highly. . .

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)

HCQ is a DMARD used as first-line treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and second-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It dampens an overactive immune system by stopping you from making antibodies against your own cells. HCQ is very well tolerated but you will need to get vision and heart rhythm check-ups while on this medication.

Golimumab

Golimumab is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Golimumab treats arthritis by binding to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and preventing it from causing inflammation. It can help suppress an overactive immune system, but can also increase your risk for certain infections.

Etanercept

Etanercept is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), by binding to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and preventing it from causing inflammation. Etanercept can help suppress an overactive immune system but can also increase your risk of certain infections. There are biosimilar versions of etanercept, which. . .

Certolizumab Pegol

Certolizumab is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by blocking tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and preventing it from causing inflammation. Certolizumab suppresses the body’s immune system but can also increase your risk of certain infections.

Celecoxib

Celecoxib is used for both inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and is a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Celecoxib is an NSAID that blocks an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which plays a role in inflammation. By blocking COX-2, celecoxib reduces pain and inflammation in the body. Celecoxib may cause stomach upset which can be. . .

Baricitinib

Baricitinib is a Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by inhibiting an enzyme called Janus kinase (JAK) which would otherwise trigger numerous inflammatory reactions. Baricitinib can help suppress an overactive immune system but can also increase your risk of certain infections.

Azathioprine

Azathioprine may be used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions such as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA; formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis) and lupus. Azathioprine can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is no longer commonly used for this condition. Azathioprine works by reducing the ability of immune cells to replicate, suppressing an overactive immune system.. . .

Anakinra

Anakinra is used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anakinra works by blocking interleukin-1 (IL-1) which triggers inflammation in your body. Blocking this can halt the underlying cause of RA and prevent joint damage. Anakinra can help suppress an overactive immune system but can also increase your risk of certain infections.

Privacy Overview
Arthritis Society Canada

Read our Privacy Policy on our website for more information.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Necessary Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Marketing and Analytics

This site uses Google Analytics and other third-party cookies to collect anonymous data, such as visitor numbers, popular pages, demographics, and interests. These cookies help us improve the site and deliver more relevant advertising.