Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, often just known as steroids, are anti-inflammatory drugs related to the natural hormone, cortisone. They work by increasing the body’s production of anti-inflammatory proteins.
In rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroids are usually given as tablets or as injections directly into an affected joint. Although they are very effective at reducing inflammation, they have serious side effects such as osteoporosis if they are taken in the long-term so short-term use only is recommended. Steroids are used in combination with DMARDs to gain rapid control of inflammation in people who have been newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and to control inflammation during disease flare-ups. Examples include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone and prednisolone.
