Final answer:
The medication hydroxychloroquine, alongside corticosteroids like prednisone, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, though long-term use can suppress the body's normal inflammation response to infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The drug used to treat clients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that has both an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect is hydroxychloroquine. This medication serves to treat inflammation in patients with RA and various autoimmune diseases.
- While the exact mechanism of action of hydroxychloroquine is not well-defined, it is understood to interfere with antigen processing and activation of autoimmunity, making it a valuable therapy option for RA. Hydroxychloroquine's effects are slower compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs but are important for the long-term management of RA.
- Additionally, corticosteroids like prednisone and cortisol are also used to manage severe arthritis by suppressing the inflammatory response.
- It is important to note that long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids, can have undesirable consequences. An example of this can be the suppression of the body's normal inflammatory response to infection.