Chart of Common Arthritis Medications

According to the American College of Rheumatology, more than 600,000 people worldwide have been prescribed biologic response modifiers (biologics) since their introduction in 1998.  The first class of biologic drugs was the TNF Inhibitors, so named because of their function in the body.  Since the introduction of the TNF inhibitors, similar drugs called cytokine inhibitors or IL-1 inhibitors have been introduced.

While all of the biologics are widely used, many long-range studies refer to TNF inhibitors because they have a longer history.  It is not yet clear if everything learned from the TNF inhibitors will be replicated in the long-term use of the other biologic models.

While biologics are technically disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDS, many people refer to DMARDS as a separate group.  The older DMARDS are still widely used as first line treatment options, options for those who are not candidates for biologics, or those who prefer not to take biologic medications. In addition, the older DMARDS are used with biological drugs for a synergistic effect to achieve better treatment outcomes.