Final answer:
Aspirin, being an NSAID, provides symptomatic relief but is of the least benefit in reducing RA joint damage compared to methotrexate and prednisone. Methotrexate and prednisone are more effective for slowing RA's progression and preventing joint damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with no known cure, where a range of treatments are utilized to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Of the drugs listed, the one likely to be of least benefit in reducing bone and cartilage damage in RA is aspirin. While aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication that may help with pain and inflammation, it is not as effective as other options for reducing joint damage caused by RA.
Methotrexate and prednisone (a corticosteroid) are more potent in reducing the autoimmune response and preventing joint damage. Methotrexate acts to reduce the impact of autoimmune responses, and prednisone down-regulates the inflammatory response. On the other hand, ibuprofen is another NSAID that could potentially provide symptomatic relief similar to aspirin.
Taking anti-inflammatory drugs regularly, like aspirin, may lead to undesirable consequences such as an increased risk of infections due to the suppression of the body's natural inflammatory response to pathogens.