Ivan Rybár, Jozef Rovenský, Jiří Vencovský
The article presents the review of pharmacotherapeutic procedures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Basal therapy in RA is highlighted. Introduction of biological therapy was a milestone in medicine. Three substances are registered in the Slovak Republic (infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab) which are substances blocking TNF effect. The basic aim of all three drugs is inhibition of clinical activity of RA, inhibition of radiologic progression and improvement of quality of life. Inspite of positive therapeutic response a careful therapy monitoring is needed, as well as monitoring of adverse effects (occurrence of secondary infections, e,g, TB, autoimmune syndromes, neurologic complications etc.). Rheumatologists in SR and commissions for resistant forms of RA in NURCH in Piestany are very successful in treatment of resistant forms of RA. Development of biological therapy is going on and registration of further substances of biological therapy is expected in the near future.