Abstract

Adverse Drug Reactions in Rheumatology: Understanding and Mitigating Risks

Author(s): Ahmad Nabil Youssef*

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant concern in the field of rheumatology, where patients often require long-term pharmacotherapy to manage chronic inflammatory conditions. Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis, are commonly treated with a variety of medications, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics. While these therapies are effective in controlling disease activity and improving patient outcomes, they also carry a risk of ADRs, which can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Understanding the nature of these reactions, their risk factors, and strategies for mitigation is essential for optimizing patient care in rheumatology.