Medication search

Abatacept

Abatacept (brand name Orencia) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block natural substances called cytokines, which are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis.

Adalimumab

Adalimumab (brand name Humira) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block natural substances, called cytokines, which are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Allopurinol

Allopurinol (brand names Allohexal, Allosig, Progout, Zyloprim) is a medicine used to treat gout, which is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Cells produce uric acid normally. In gout, the body does not flush it out fast enough.

Ambrisentan

Ambrisentan (brand name Volibris) is a medicine used to treat a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is a condition where there is increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.

Amitriptyline (children)

Amitriptyline (brand name: Endep) is a medicine that is used to help manage chronic (long term) pain. It is often recommended in particular when people have been having a lot of trouble sleeping due to the impact of the pain. It is also used in higher doses to treat depression.

Anakinra

Anakinra (brand name Kineret) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs). These medicines block natural substances called cytokines, which are found in excessive amounts in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile/childhood arthritis.

Apremilast

Apremilast (brand name: Otezla(r)) is a medicine used to treat psoriatic arthritis, and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is an immunosuppressive medicine, which means that it works by reducing the activity of the immune system. In psoriatic arthritis, this action helps to reduce inflammation and thus reduce pain and swelling in your joints.

Azathioprine

Azathioprine (brand names: Azamun(r), Azapin(r), Imuran(r), Thioprine(r)) is a medicine used to treat immune and inflammatory diseases such as vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/lupus), polymyositis (muscle inflammation), rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.

Azathioprine (children)

Azathioprine (brand name: Imuran, Azamun, Azapin) is a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect kidneys, joints, muscles, skin, gut or eyes). This can include lupus (also known as SLE), inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis and scleroderma. Azathioprine is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Baricitnib

Baricitinib (brand name Olumiant®) is a tablet that belongs to a class of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors work by blocking signals involved in inflammation. Blocking these signals in rheumatoid arthritis reduces pain, stiffness, swelling and damage in the joints.

Bisphosphonates (Intravenous/IV)

Bisphosphonates are medicines used to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Zoledronate (brand name Aclasta) and pamidronate (brand name Aredia) are the most commonly prescribed intravenous bisphosphonates in Australia. Osteoporosis is a common condition that causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily.

Bisphosphonates (oral)

Bisphosphonates are medicines used to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Alendronate and risedronate are the most commonly prescribed bisphosphonate tablets in Australia. Osteoporosis is a common disease, which causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily.

Bosentan

Bosentan (brand name Tracleer) is a medicine used to treat a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is a condition where there is increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. PAH can occur in a number of rheumatological diseases such as scleroderma.

Certolizumab Pegol

Certolizumab (brand name Cimzia) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block substances, produced by arthritic tissues, called cytokines. These cytokines are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Ciclosporin

Cyclosporin (brand names Cicloral, Neoral and Sandimmun) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus/SLE), polymyositis (muscle inflammation) and pyoderma gangrenosum. Cyclosporin is used in rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Colchicine

Colchicine is a medicine used to treat gout and pseudogout arthritis. These are types of arthritis caused by a build up of crystals in the joints. Blood cells travel to these areas of inflammation causing pain and swelling.

Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cyclonex(r) Endoxan(r)) is a medicine used to treat severe inflammatory illnesses such as complicated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/lupus), myositis (muscle inflammation), scleroderma and vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels) like Granulomatosus with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis). Cyclophosphamide is also used in rheumatoid arthritis when there are serious complications involving organs other than the joints such as the lungs, eyes or skin.

Cyclophosphamide (children)

Cyclophosphamide (brand name: Cycloblastin, Endoxan) is a medicine used to treat severe inflammatory diseases (diseases which may affect kidneys, blood vessels, joints, muscles, skin, gut or eyes). This can include complicated lupus (also known as SLE), vasculitis, uveitis and scleroderma. Cyclophosphamide is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Denosumab

Denosumab (brand name Prolia) is a medicine used to treat osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common condition which causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily.

Duloxetine

Duloxetine can be used to treat different types of chronic pain. Duloxetine belongs to the group of medicines called Serotonin Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) that are also used to treat depression. Duloxetine works by increasing the amount of specific nerve transmitters in the nervous system, this then reduces the pain messages arriving in the brain….

Duloxetine

Duloxetine can be used to treat different types of chronic pain. Duloxetine belongs to the group of medicines called Serotonin Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) that are also used to treat depression. Duloxetine works by increasing the amount of specific nerve transmitters in the nervous system, this then reduces the pain messages arriving in the brain….

Etanercept

Etanercept belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). hese medicines block substances, produced by arthritic tissues, called cytokines. These cytokines are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Febuxostat

Febuxostat (brand name: Adenuric) is a medicine used to treat gout, which is a type of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Cells produce uric acid normally. In gout the body does not flush it out fast enough. Febuxostat works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by cells.

Golimumab

Golimumab (brand name Simponi) belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block substances, produced by arthritic tissues, called cytokines. These cytokines are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Goserelin Acetate

Goserelin belongs to a group of medicines called ‘GnRH agonists.’ In women, Goserelin works by reducing the amount of ‘oestrogen’ (a hormone) that is produced by your body. You have been prescribed this medication to help protect and preserve your fertility for the future.

Guselkumab

Guselkumab belongs to a class of medicines called biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). People with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis have increased levels of a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23) which can cause pain and swelling in the joints. Guselkumab works by blocking the activity of IL-23 and hence reduces the inflammation. Guselkumab is…

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (brand names Synvisc, Osteoartz) is used to treat osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the joints. It is most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. It is not used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in joints and other parts of the body. In the joint it is found in the cartilage and the synovial fluid that lubricate the joints to keep them working smoothly. In people with osteoarthritis the hyaluronic acid gets thinner and it is no longer able to protect the joint. Injections of artificial hyaluronic acid into affected joints may improve the protection.

Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine (brand name Plaquenil, Plaquenil Sulfate) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/Lupus).

Hydroxychloroquine (children)

Hydroxycholoroquine (brand name: Plaquenil) is a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect joints, muscles, skin or eyes). It is most commonly used to treat lupus (also known as SLE). It is a medicine that works by suppressing the immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Iloprost

Iloprost is a prostaglandin analogue or synthetic prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are hormone like substances found within the body and have many functions. One of the functions is to allow blood vessels to dilate. Iloprost is used in conditions such as scleroderma where there may be very poor blood flow to the fingers resulting in ulcers and sometimes gangrene of the fingers. Iloprost enables the small vessels to widen and allow increased blood flow.

Infliximab

Infliximab (brand name: Remicade(r)) belongs to a group of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block natural substances, produced by arthritic tissues, called cytokines, which are are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

IV Immunuglobulin

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a mixture of blood proteins called antibodies that are made by the immune system to fight infections. Immunoglobulins are extracted from healthy donated blood and are used to treat a number of medical conditions. IVIg is given to patients as an intravenous infusion.

Ixekizumab

Ixekizumab (brand name: Taltz®) is a medicine used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints that is often accompanied by psoriasis. Ixekizumab is also used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that is chronic.

Leflunomide

Leflunomide (brand names Arabloc, Arava) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is an immunosuppressive medicine, which means that it works by reducing the activity of the immune system. In rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis this action helps to reduce inflammation and thus reduces pain and swelling in the joints. It also limits damage to the joints and helps to prevent disability in the long term.

Leflunomide (children)

Leflunomide (brand name: Arava, Arabloc) is a medicine which works by reducing the activity of the immune system. Rather than just relieving pain it acts to reduce the damage to the joints. It works on the white blood cells, which are part of the inflammatory process, which causes the pain and swelling of joints in arthritis.

Methotrexate

Methotrexate (brand name Methoblastin or injectable methotrexate (Hospira, Methacord, Methotrexate Accord & Trexject) is a well-established, effective treatment for several different types of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and severe psoriasis. It may also be used for other conditions.

Methotrexate (children)

Methotrexate (brand name: Methoblastin) is a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect joints, muscles, skin or eyes). These include juvenile arthritis (JIA), lupus (also known as SLE), uveitis, dermatomyositis and scleroderma. Methotrexate is a medicine that works by suppressing the immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Milnacipran

Milnacipran (brand name: Joncia®) belongs to a class of medicines called serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Other similar drugs from this group are used to treat depression and anxiety, but in Australia milnacipran was previously approved specifically to treat fibromyalgia. Although milnacipran is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), your rheumatologist may…

Mycophenolate

Mycophenolate mofetil (brand name CellCept, Imulate, Ceptolate) and mycophenolate sodium (brand name Myfortic) are both converted in the body to mycophenolic acid, which is used to treat immune related diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus or SLE), autoimmune vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease, and other kidney or skin disorders.

Mycophenolate mofetil (children)

Mycophenolate mofetil (brand name: Cellcept, Myfortec) is usually a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect kidneys, joints, muscles, skin, gut or eyes). This can include lupus (also known as SLE), inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis and scleroderma. It is also used in patients who have had transplants. Mycophenolate mofetil is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Nintedanib

Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that interferes with proteins that increase fibrosis within the lungs. It is used in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and may also be used in patients who develop interstitial lung disease as a complication of their rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma. Important things to remember While taking nintedanib…

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are common medicines used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. The name means they reduce pain and stiffness due to inflammation of the joints, without using steroids.
There are many different NSAIDs. Some can be bought over the counter (OTC) e.g. ibuprofen (Nurofen). Others such as ketoprofen (Orudis) are only available with a prescription.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – (children)

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (brand names: Brufen, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Celebrex, Naprogesic) are medicines commonly used to treat painful swollen joints. They are not steroids but are effective in reducing pain and stiffness. These medicines are often used when your child is initially diagnosed with arthritis because they quickly control the pain and inflammation.

Opioids

Opioids are strong pain-relieving medicines naturally found in the opium poppy plant. They are usually used on a short-term basis in the management of acute pain or in cancer pain and have a very limited role in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a common pain killer (analgesic). It can also lower raised body temperature (fever). It is used for relief of fever, headaches, the pain of arthritis and other minor aches and pains, including pain from colds, flu and period pain.

Prednisolone & Prednisone

Prednisolone and prednisone are man-made corticosteroids (also called steroids for short). Man-made corticosteroids are used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/lupus) and other inflammatory disease. They have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the swelling and pain in joints and other organs.

Pregabalin

Pregabalin belongs to a group of medicines that are thought to control pain by working on brain chemicals which send signals to nerves. These chemical are called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. Pregabalin is best known as an anti-epileptic medicine. Pregabalin may be used alone, or in combination with other medicines, to treat nerve (neuropathic) pain or fibromyalgia.

Probenecid

Probenecid (brand name Pro-Cid) is a medicine used to treat gout, which is a type of arthritis caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Cells produce uric acid normally. In gout the body does not flush it out fast enough.

Raloxifene

Raloxifene (brand name Evista) is a medicine used to treat osteoporosis. It is prescribed only for women as it works on female hormones.

Rituximab

Rituximab (brand name Mabthera) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). B-cells are white blood cells, which normally produce ‘antibodies’. Antibodies help protect the body from infections. In rheumatoid arthritis however, some B-cells produce harmful ‘autoantibodies’, which cause inflammation in the joints. By temporarily removing the harmful B-cells, rituximab reduces inflammation, lessens the symptoms and helps stop further joint damage.

Romosozumab

Romosozumab (brand name Evenity®) is a medication used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss). Osteoporosis is a common condition which causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily. Fractures are painful and restrict a person’s ability to carry out their normal daily tasks. Romosozumab reduces the risk of a broken…

Secukinumab

Secukinumab (brand name: Cosentyx(r)) is a medicine used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints that is often accompanied by psoriasis. Secukinumab is also used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that is chronic (lasts for a long time). Secukinumab may also be used to treat adults with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease which primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and pain in the spinal joints.

Self-injecting low dose methotrexate for the treatment of arthritis

This information is useful if your doctor has recommended injections of methotrexate either for better efficacy or to reduce side-effects. It gives information about how you, or a friend or family member, can safely inject methotrexate, the steps to follow and the equipment you will need. For general information on methotrexate, refer to the “Methotrexate” patient information.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil (brand name: Revatio®) belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels in your body. This increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure to your body organs. It is used to treat pulmonary hypertension (increased pressures in arteries supplying the lungs) and to manage…

Steroids (children)

Steroids (Brand names: predisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, aristospan, redipred, predmix, maxidex, prednefrin) are hormones that occur naturally in the body. They are used as medicines to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect joints, muscles, bones, skin or eyes). This can include juvenile arthritis (JIA), lupus (also known as SLE), uveitis, dermatomyositis and scleroderma. Steroids work by affecting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine (brand names Pyralin EN, Salazopyrin EN) is a medicine – a combination of an aspirin-like anti-inflammatory component and a sulphur antibiotic-like component – used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used to treat other diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In rheumatoid arthritis, these actions help to reduce inflammation in the joints and thus reduce pain and swelling. It also limits damage to the joints and helps to prevent disability in the long term.

Sulfasalazine (children)

Sulfasalazine (brand name: Salazopyrin) is a medicine used to treat certain childhood rheumatic conditions (diseases which may affect joints, muscles, skin or eyes). This can include juvenile arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease. It is a medicine that works by suppressing your immune system. It reduces the damage done by inflammation, rather than just reducing pain.

Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is a medication used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (also called ‘lupus’ or ‘SLE’), an inflammatory disease that affects a variety of different body systems. Tacrolimus is a medication that works as a calcineurin inhibitor. By blocking calcineurin in the body, it reduces the amount of interleukin-2, a signalling molecule that increases…

Teriparatide

Teriparatide (brand name: Forteo(r)) is a medicine used to treat severe osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes bones to become fragile and brittle so that they break (fracture) more easily even as a result of normal activity (as distinct from a fall).

Tocilizumab

Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). These medicines block natural substances called cytokines, which are found in excessive amounts in the blood and joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The increased levels of cytokines cause inflammation, which results in symptoms of pain, joint swelling and stiffness, and can lead to joint damage.

Tofacitinib

Tofacitinib (brand name: Xeljanz®) is a tablet that belongs to a class of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors work by blocking signals involved in inflammation. Blocking these signals in rheumatoid arthritis reduces pain, stiffness, swelling and damage in the joints.

Upadacitinib

Upadacitinib (brand name: Rinvoq®) is a tablet that belongs to a class of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAK inhibitors work by blocking signals involved in inflammation. Blocking these signals in Rheumatoid Arthritis reduces pain, stiffness, swelling and damage in the joints.

Ustekinumab

Ustekinumab (brand name: Stelara(r)) is a medicine used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints that is often accompanied by psoriasis. Ustekinumab is also used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, that is chronic (lasts for a long time).

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