What is the best antirheumatic agent for arthritis, rheumatoid?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — penicillamine ranks highest among Antirheumatic Agent drugs used for arthritis, rheumatoid. Always consult a professional.

Which antirheumatic agent drugs treat arthritis, rheumatoid?

pharmaranks lists 4 Antirheumatic Agent products used for arthritis, rheumatoid, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.

How are these ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

Best Antirheumatic Agent for arthritis, rheumatoid

Top-rated pick: Penicillamine — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 4 Antirheumatic Agent drugs used for arthritis, rheumatoid, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for arthritis, rheumatoid or the full Antirheumatic Agent class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Quick answer: Of the 4 antirheumatic agent drugs we rate for arthritis, rheumatoid, 1 is available as lower-cost generics, and most are capsule. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for arthritis, rheumatoid; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

Other drug classes for arthritis, rheumatoid

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Top antirheumatic agent for arthritis, rheumatoid: 1. Penicillamine · 2. Arava · 3. Cuprimine

Best-rated Antirheumatic Agent for arthritis, rheumatoid, ranked by pharmaranks score
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Pharmacy pays
1	Penicillamine Boxed warning	72/100	Prescription	Capsule	No data	—	View →
2	Arava Boxed warning	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	Generic	$9	View →
3	Cuprimine Boxed warning	70/100	Prescription	Capsule	No data	—	View →
4	Depen Boxed warning	Not yet rated	Prescription	Tablet	No data	—	View →

Full ranking · 4 drugs

#1 of 3 in Antirheumatic Agent

penicillamine

Boxed warning

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

72/100

Penicillamine is an antirheumatic agent used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cystinuria, Hepatolenticular Degeneration, Lead Poisoning.

(5 data points)

antirheumatic agentarthritis, rheumatoidcystinuria

Price varies

View details →

#2 of 3 in Antirheumatic Agent

arava

Boxed warning

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

70/100

Arava (Leflunomide) is an antirheumatic agent used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.

(1 data points)

antirheumatic agentarthritis, rheumatoid

Pharmacy pays

From ~$9.14/30· 2 forms

View details →

#2 of 3 in Antirheumatic Agent

cuprimine

Boxed warning

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

70/100

Cuprimine (Penicillamine) is an antirheumatic agent used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cystinuria, Hepatolenticular Degeneration, Lead Poisoning.

(2 data points)

antirheumatic agentarthritis, rheumatoidcystinuria

Price varies

View details →

depen

Boxed warning

PrescriptionFDA-sourced

New

Depen (Penicillamine) is an antirheumatic agent used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cystinuria, Hepatolenticular Degeneration, Lead Poisoning.

antirheumatic agentarthritis, rheumatoidcystinuria

Price varies

View details →

Frequently asked

What is the best antirheumatic agent for arthritis, rheumatoid?: By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — penicillamine ranks highest among Antirheumatic Agent drugs used for arthritis, rheumatoid. Always consult a professional.
Which antirheumatic agent drugs treat arthritis, rheumatoid?: pharmaranks lists 4 Antirheumatic Agent products used for arthritis, rheumatoid, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
How are these ranked?: By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.