Biologics
Biologics work by inhibiting specific inflammatory pathways formed by immune cells. As a result, they can help alleviate inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Healthcare providers tend to prescribe biologics when symptoms cannot be managed well only with DMARDs. Biologics can be injected into the body. They are not suitable for those with an existing infection or weakened immune systems. Common options include adalimumab, abatacept, etanercept, certolizumab pegol, tocilizumab, rituximab, infliximab, and golimumab. Common side effects of biologics may include nausea, back pain, stomach pain, rash, hives, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, chills or fever, headache, sore throat or cough, as well as swelling, pain, bruising, itching, and redness around the injection sites. [2]
