Leflunomide. Me

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of joints which in most cases affects the lining of the joint or synovium. Often, the disease continues indefinitely, progresses and results in long-term joint damage accompanied by chronic pain, loss of function or even disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the inflammation is caused by the hyperactivity of the immune system which mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues in the manner it is supposed to attack invaders. Besides joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs in the body. About 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops in three stages. The first stage is characterized by swelling around the joint , pain, swelling of the synovium, warmth and redness around it, stiffness of the joint. At this stage x-rays will not show any destructive changes, only the swelling of joint lining.
During the second stage inflamed synovium tissue starts to proliferate: synovium cells start rapid division and growing into joint cavity across articular cartilage, gradually narrowing and destroying it.
In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that cause erosion of bone and cartilage. Often, the joint becomes deformed and looses alignment. The pain becomes more severe and the ability to move is lost.
As of today, there is no specific cure for rheumatoid arthritis that guarantees recovery. However, certain drugs (including leflunomide), joint protection and self-management techniques, as well as diagnosing the disease at early stages and following the doctor’s recommendations allow to limit joint damage, keep it under control and live a productive and happy life.