Matching the Drug to the Patient: The rational use of antiarthritic drugs.

Antirheumatic drugs now available are often effective in helping control the more serious rheumatic disorders, but are not curative. All have potentially serious side effects and need to be used with caution in the presence of recognized risk factors. Treatment should be individualized for the diagnosis and severity of the underlying disease, which must be of sufficient magnitude to justify the risk of potential adverse reactions from the prescribed medication.