Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, causing the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Managing these conditions often requires medications designed to regulate the immune response and alleviate inflammation. Interestingly, some of these drugs treat autoimmune issues and also offer benefits for other conditions. Known as medications with dual benefits, they can improve the quality of life for patients dealing with multiple health challenges. Let's take a closer look at six medications commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases and discuss how they offer additional benefits.

1. Methotrexate

Methotrexate is one of the most widely prescribed medications for autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has a long history of being an effective treatment for reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Methotrexate is considered the gold standard for treating RA due to its ability to reduce joint inflammation and prevent further damage.
  • Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: This drug is also used to manage the skin symptoms of psoriasis as well as the joint pain associated with its arthritic form.

Additional Benefits

Methotrexate is sometimes prescribed in low doses for ectopic pregnancies as it can help terminate abnormal pregnancies without surgery. It has also shown potential in managing certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, by slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Considerations

This drug requires regular monitoring for potential side effects like liver damage or low blood cell counts, which can occur with long-term use.

2. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug that has become a go-to treatment for several autoimmune diseases. Its versatility makes it an important part of many treatment plans.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Hydroxychloroquine helps control lupus symptoms, including joint pain, rashes, and fatigue.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is often prescribed for mild to moderate RA, especially in patients who cannot tolerate stronger drugs.

Additional Benefits

Hydroxychloroquine provides relief for skin conditions such as sun sensitivity and chronic urticaria (hives). Studies have also investigated its role in managing post-viral fatigue and certain viral infections, though findings remain varied.

Considerations

Patients taking hydroxychloroquine are advised to undergo regular eye exams, as long-term use carries a small risk of retinal damage.

3. Adalimumab (Humira)

Adalimumab is a biologic medication that has transformed the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases. Its targeted action makes it effective for severe symptoms.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Adalimumab reduces joint inflammation and prevents further damage.
  • Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: It helps control these inflammatory bowel diseases by calming gut inflammation.
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis: Adalimumab is effective for relieving spinal pain and stiffness.

Additional Benefits

Beyond autoimmune conditions, adalimumab has shown promise in managing hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition causing painful bumps and scarring. It is also used to treat certain forms of uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease that can lead to vision loss.

Considerations

Adalimumab is administered via injection, which may be challenging for some patients. It also requires consistent medical supervision due to the risk of increased infections.

4. Azathioprine (Imuran)

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant that is frequently prescribed for autoimmune diseases. It is especially effective for patients requiring long-term immune regulation.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Azathioprine reduces immune activity, helping control lupus symptoms and preventing flares.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis): It maintains remission and prevents inflammation from returning.
  • Vasculitis: This medication is also used to treat inflammation of blood vessels, which is common in some autoimmune disorders.

Additional Benefits

Azathioprine is sometimes prescribed to organ transplant recipients to prevent rejection. By suppressing the immune system, it helps the body accept the donor organ.

Considerations

Monitoring is essential with azathioprine, as it can suppress bone marrow function and increase the risk of infections or certain cancers over time.

5. Infliximab (Remicade)

Infliximab is a biologic that targets tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein involved in the inflammatory process. Its ability to make quick improvements in symptoms makes it a valuable tool for treating autoimmune diseases.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: This drug reduces inflammation and restores joint function.
  • Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: It helps patients achieve remission and alleviates symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
  • Plaque Psoriasis: Infliximab controls moderate to severe psoriasis, improving skin appearance.

Additional Benefits

Infliximab has shown effectiveness in treating sarcoidosis, a condition characterized by inflammatory clusters in the lungs, skin, and eyes. It is also used to improve symptoms of Behçet’s disease, a complex autoimmune disorder causing sores, rashes, and joint pain.

Considerations

Infliximab is delivered through an IV infusion, often requiring a clinic visit. While effective, it can raise the risk of serious infections and allergic reactions during infusions.

6. Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept)

Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressive medication that is commonly used in organ transplantation. Recently, it has become a useful option for managing autoimmune diseases.

Primary Use in Autoimmune Diseases

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Effective in treating lupus nephritis, a condition in which lupus causes kidney damage.
  • Scleroderma: Mycophenolate helps manage skin thickening and lung complications associated with this condition.
  • Vasculitis: It is also prescribed for inflammatory blood vessel diseases that are difficult to control with other treatments.

Additional Benefits

Mycophenolate is widely used in preventing organ rejection for kidney, heart, and liver transplants. Its ability to suppress immune responses ensures the transplanted organ functions properly.

Considerations

This medication can increase the risk of infections and may require ongoing blood tests to monitor its effects on liver function and blood cell counts.