Introduction to DMARDs

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are the medications, which are usually recommended to the patients of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. They can slow or stop the immune system from attacking the joints. They help to preserve the joints by blocking inflammation. Each DMARD works differently. Traditional DMARDs control the immune system largely but targeted DMARDs inhibit specific pathways inside immune cells.

Some DMARDs are not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They are not pain medicines but they help to relieve pain as they reduce the inflammation and joint tenderness. The most commonly used DMARDs for arthritis treatment are methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide.

What Are the Possible Side-effects of DMARDs?

  • A sore throat
  • Unexplained bruising
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Blood related problems
  • Liver problems
  • Nausea or stomach upsets
  • Skin rashes
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

What Are the Contraindications of DMARDs?

Doctors do not prescribe DMARDs to:

  • pregnant and lactating women
  • people with severe liver or kidney problems
  • people with severe blood disorder
  • people with immunodeficiency syndrome
  • people having severe infection

How Is GLME (Green Lipped Mussel Extract) More Beneficial than DMARDs for Arthritis Patients?

GLME is a marine natural product, which contains the components that are required by the body to effectively relieve the symptoms of arthritis without inducing the adverse side effects associated with many drugs such as DMARDs. It relieves pain and improves general mobility. Its effects are usually gradual, progressive and long-lasting. Normally, reduction in pain is observed as it’s the first benefit, which is then followed by gradual improvement in grip strength, freedom of movement and other mobility.

Following are some of the unique benefits of GLME, which are not shown by DMARDs:

  • It Improves joint lubrication
  • It helps restore damaged cartilage
  • It improves mobility and range of motion of the affected joint
  • It protects stomach lining due to its gastro-protective properties