Early use of DMARDs is now common practice in managing rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate the most frequently recommended medication, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report summarises data on the use of medications for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using information from the 2004—05 National Health Survey and the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) general practitioner surveys from 1998—99 to 2007—08.
“In the last decade, the variety of medicines available for managing arthritis and osteoporosis has expanded considerably,” said Dr Kuldeep Bhatia from the AIHW’s National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Complementary medicines were commonly used for arthritis and osteoporosis, especially by women.
“While GPs do recommend complementary medicines, the rates...
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