Ankylosing spondylitis / axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
- Exercise/physical therapy is foundational
- NSAID is first pharmacologic step for symptoms
- Persistent active axial disease → biologic/targeted therapy
- TNF or IL-17 inhibitor are common first advanced options
- JAK inhibitor is another option
- Conventional DMARDs help peripheral—not axial—arthritis
Use at a glance
- Exercise/physical therapy is foundational
Treatment options
- NSAID is first pharmacologic step for symptoms
- Persistent active axial disease → biologic/targeted therapy
Practical pearls
- TNF or IL-17 inhibitor are common first advanced options
Other practical pearls
- JAK inhibitor is another option
- Conventional DMARDs help peripheral—not axial—arthritis
Self-check
- What is the first pharmacologic step for axSpA symptoms?
An NSAID. - What non-drug treatment anchors axSpA care?
Exercise/physical therapy.
Drugs used for this (6)
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