Arthritis & Joint Pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis

DMARDs and immune-modulating drugs for rheumatoid arthritis

10 drugs
10 Prescription

Immunosuppressant

monoclonal antibody

1

Basiliximab

Prescription

Prevention of kidney transplant rejection (used alongside other anti-rejection medicines after kidney transplant surgery)

Simulect

Antimalarial

Kills parasites that cause malaria

1

Chloroquine

Prescription

Malaria treatment, malaria prevention (for travellers or people in malaria-prone areas), certain joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

Afrab Chloroquine TabletsAlbequine TabletBioraquine SyrupBonaquine TabletsChloroquine Phosphate 40mg InjectionDr. Meyer’s Maxiquine SyrupDr. Meyer’s Maxiquine TabletFest Chloroquine 40mg Injection

Immunosuppressant

immune system suppressor

1

Ciclosporin

Prescription

Organ transplant rejection prevention (kidney, liver, heart), severe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, severe rheumatoid arthritis (serious joint pain and swelling), nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease causing body swelling)

Sandimmun Neoral® 25mgSandiummum Neoral 100mg CapsulesSandiummum Neoral 50mg Capsules

Corticosteroid

steroid anti-inflammatory

1

Dexamethasone

Prescription

Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, swelling and inflammation, arthritis, skin conditions like eczema, eye inflammation, some types of cancer treatment support, cerebral malaria (brain swelling from malaria), croup in children, severe body swelling

Anisun Dexamethasone Tablets 0.5mgArcadia Tablet 1mgArcadia Tablets 0.5mgArtemis Dexamethasone 0.5mg TabletArtemis Dexamethasone 1mg TabletBanakeme Tablets 0.5mgBedixa 0.5mg TabletsBleor Dexamethasone Tablets 0.5mg

Corticosteroid

anti-inflammatory steroid

2

Dexamethasone phosphate

Prescription

Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, serious skin rashes, eye inflammation, joint pain and swelling (arthritis), severe body swelling, croup in children, cerebral malaria complications, meningitis support treatment, and other conditions where strong anti-inflammatory action is needed

Cika Dexamethasone TabletsDelisa Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate InjectionDexamethasone Injection 4mg/mLDexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 4mg/mL InjectionDexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Ophthalmic Solution USPIvydexoneKristen TabletOcudex Eye Drops

Prednisolone

Prescription

Severe allergies, asthma, skin rashes and eczema, joint pain and arthritis, lupus, eye inflammation, severe body swelling, blood disorders, kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome), and some cancers

Cika Prednisolone TabletsGeopred 5 TabletH-Pred TabletsMeCure's Prednisolone TabletsMedhealth Prednisolone TabletsNelb Prednisolone Tablets 5mgOrapraz TabletsPeridox Tablets

Immunosuppressant / mTOR inhibitor

Reduces the body's immune system response

1

Everolimus

Prescription

Prevention of organ rejection after kidney or heart transplant, certain types of kidney cancer, certain breast cancers, brain tumours (subependymal giant cell astrocytoma), pancreatic tumours

Certican 0.25mg TabletCertican 1mg Tablet

Biologic

TNF-alpha inhibitor / Immunosuppressant

1

Golimumab

Prescription

Rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain and swelling), psoriatic arthritis (joint pain with skin rashes), ankylosing spondylitis (severe back stiffness and pain), ulcerative colitis (long-term stomach pain with bloody stool)

Simponi 100mg solution for injection PFPSimponi Solution for Injection in Prefilled Pen

Immunosuppressant

anti-rejection medicine

1

Tacrolimus

Prescription

Prevention of organ rejection after kidney transplant, liver transplant, heart transplant

Tacrolimus Sandoz 1mg CapsuleTacrolimus Sandoz 5mg Capsule

Biologic immunosuppressant

Interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor

1

Tocilizumab

Prescription

Severe joint pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis in children, giant cell arteritis (inflammation of blood vessels causing headache and vision problems), cytokine release syndrome (a dangerous immune reaction), severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen

Actemra 162mgActemra 200mgActemra 400mgActemra 80mg

When to see a doctor

Seek care if you notice any of the following

  • If you have severe joint pain or swelling that makes it hard to move your joints or walk.
  • If you notice blood in your urine or stool, or if you have dark-colored urine, which could be a sign of kidney problems.
  • If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat, which could be a sign of a heart problem.
  • If you have a fever over 38°C (100.4°F) that lasts for more than 3 days, or if you have a fever with a rash or swollen lymph nodes.
  • If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet, which could be a sign of nerve damage.

For guidance only — always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Related conditions

Osteoarthritis

NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical treatments for worn joint pain