Category: Autoimmune diseases

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a growing class of medications used to treat various autoimmune disorders [1.4.2]. If you're currently taking Rinvoq and wondering, 'What can I take instead of Rinvoq?', there are several advanced treatment options available to discuss with your doctor.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks into treatment, many patients begin to notice initial signs of improvement from methotrexate. This anti-inflammatory drug works gradually, and understanding how long does it take for methotrexate to relieve inflammation is key to managing expectations and treatment.

Methotrexate is a first-line treatment for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis [1.2.3]. This leads to a crucial question for patients and clinicians alike: is methotrexate considered an anti-inflammatory medication in the traditional sense? The answer is complex.

Up to 15% of completely healthy people have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, but certain drugs can also trigger this result [1.4.1]. Understanding what medications can give you a positive ANA is crucial for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary concern.

With over 200 million people using statins worldwide, questions about their side effects are common [1.6.2, 1.6.5]. While generally safe, studies indicate that atorvastatin may rarely trigger autoimmune conditions, raising the question: can atorvastatin cause autoimmune disease? [1.2.1]

In a study of 56 sarcoidosis patients, 78% reported side effects with prednisone, compared to 49% with methotrexate [1.2.4]. This article explores the critical question: **Which is better, methotrexate or prednisone?**, detailing their distinct roles in managing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Over 900,000 Americans take methotrexate, often as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Beyond joint issues, the question, **does methotrexate help with muscle inflammation**, is often asked by patients with autoimmune myopathies, where it is a well-established immunosuppressant used to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

According to some studies, alcohol consumption is known to be higher in people with psoriasis than the general population. This often prompts the critical question for patients on this biologic medication: **Can you drink alcohol while taking Skyrizi?** The answer is complex, involving potential risks that go beyond a simple drug interaction.

According to the FDA, Humira (adalimumab) has a boxed warning alerting patients and doctors that it increases the risk of serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death. These infections can include reactivation of latent tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and bacterial sepsis due to the drug's immunosuppressive effects.

In 2017, ACTEMRA became the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for giant cell arteritis (GCA), marking a significant advancement in managing this condition. This biologic medication offers a crucial steroid-sparing option for adults living with GCA by targeting a key inflammatory pathway.