[SYSTEMIC PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF PAIN IN RHEUMATIC DISEASE].

Pain is a cardinal symptom of rheumatic diseases and the most common reason for seeking medical help. Pain relief has many benefi cial eff ects and is necessary for the functional recovery. A variety of drugs are used for the treatment of pain in rheumatic diseases. Th ey usually include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-rheumatic drugs, and opioids (mostly weak opioids). Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used in cases with a predominant neuropathic component. In this descriptive review we present up-to-date results of trials with systemic analgesic drugs in rheumatic diseases, including nerve growth factor inhibitors and symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis.