DMARD
Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology
| Stands for | Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DMARD stands for Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.
Medications that slow or stop the immune-driven joint damage of rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases, unlike painkillers, which only relieve symptoms. Groups include conventional synthetic drugs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide), biologics and targeted synthetic drugs such as JAK inhibitors.
Example: Inadequate response to two csDMARDs; insurance approval requested for biologic DMARD.
Usage notes
Pronounced "DEE-mard". Prefixes distinguish csDMARDs, bDMARDs (such as TNF inhibitors, abatacept and rituximab) and tsDMARDs. Most take weeks to months to work, so short courses of steroids may bridge the gap. JAK inhibitors received a boxed warning in 2021 after a safety trial showed higher rates of heart events and cancer in older patients with risk factors.
Related abbreviations
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
- DAS28 – Disease Activity Score in 28 joints
- DDD – Degenerative disc disease
- DDH – Developmental dysplasia of the hip
- DISH – Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
- DJD – Degenerative joint disease
- DM – Dermatomyositis
- DRF – Distal radius fracture
- ESI – Epidural steroid injection
- FAI – Femoroacetabular impingement
- FM – Fibromyalgia
- FOOSH – Fall on outstretched hand
- FRAX – Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
See all 71 musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.