They are a group of medications commonly used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also relatively inexpensive and generally safe. Like other DMARDs, methotrexate has side effects; it can cause rash and stomach upset, can be toxic to the liver or bone marrow, and can cause birth defects. In rare cases, it can also cause shortness of breath. Regular blood work is necessary when taking methotrexat DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG OVERVIEW. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a group of medications commonly used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They work to decrease pain and inflammation, to reduce or prevent joint damage, and to preserve the structure and function of the joints. Methotrexate may be combined with other DMARDs or with a biologic agent if methotrexate alone does not adequately control a patient's disease. (See 'Biologic agents' below.). Common side effects include upset stomach and a sore mouth. Methotrexate can interfere with the bone marrow's production of blood cells. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) act by altering the underlying disease rather than treating symptoms. They're not painkillers, but they'll reduce pain, swelling and stiffness over a period of weeks or months by slowing down the disease and its effects on the joints.  Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes medications that slow the progression of joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs are called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and they are an important part of an overall treatment plan. Like other DMARDs, methotrexate has side effects; it can cause rash and stomach upset, can be toxic to the liver or bone marrow, and can cause birth defects. In rare cases, it can also cause shortness of breath. Disease-modifying drugs act on the immune system to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. This is why they are called disease-modifying.. Many different drugs can be used as DMARDs in the treatment of RA, but some are used more often than others. Like other DMARDs, methotrexate has side effects; it can cause rash and stomach upset, can be toxic to the liver or bone marrow, and can cause birth defects. In rare cases, it can also cause shortness of breath. Advertisement. Doctors prescribe disease-modifying anti­rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for people with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and lupus. DMARDs are often prescribed together or with biologics. This is called combination therapy. While DMARDs can effectively slow or modify the disease process, they do not work quickly. It may take weeks or months to see improvement while taking one of these drugs. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis. DMARDs act by altering the disease itself, not just treating your symptoms. They’re not painkillers, but they’ll reduce pain, swelling and stiffness over a period of weeks or months by slowing down the disease and its effects on your joints. 
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/dmard-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment http://www.uptodate.com/contents/disease-modifying-antirheumatic-drugs-dmards-beyond-the-basics http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/drugs/dmards.aspx http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/dmard-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/dmard-rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/medication/drug-types/disease-modifying-drugs/drug-guide-dmards.php http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatments/dmards.aspx
what are dmards