Which of the following is commonly used as a long-term treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Long-term treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is typically managed with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications are designed to modify the underlying disease process rather than just alleviate symptoms. DMARDs work by suppressing the immune system's overactivity, which is a central feature of rheumatoid arthritis. By doing so, they can help prevent joint damage, reduce inflammation, and maintain better long-term function and quality of life for patients.

While corticosteroids can provide rapid symptom relief and are often used in conjunction with DMARDs, they are not ideal for long-term management due to their potential for significant side effects with prolonged use. Colchicine is primarily used for gout rather than rheumatoid arthritis, and though biologics can be effective for rheumatoid arthritis, they are usually prescribed when DMARD therapy alone is insufficient. Therefore, DMARDs remain the cornerstone of long-term treatment for managing rheumatoid arthritis.