| Symptoms
& History
Physical
Findings
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& Think
Lab
and X-Ray
Differential
Diagnosis
The
Disease
Treatment
Conclusions
Quiz
& Evaluation |
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Keep
in mind medications are only part of the plan.
-
Before leaping to the pharmacology,
remember the stuff on the previous page.
Here's the basics on medications
for RA.
-
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
are the first line.
-
Strive for salicylate level
of 20-30 mg/dL
-
Must watch for GI bleeds (stool
for occult blood).
-
Ease of bruising because of
platelet dysfunction.
-
Antimalarials initially may
be helpful,
-
They can cause ocular problems.
-
Second line medications
-
Gold salts
-
Penicillamine
-
Both have bone marrow toxicity.
-
Corticosteroids
-
Good for the short term, but
not for prolonged use.
What specifically will we do
about Mrs. Robinson?
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