A 38-Year-Old Woman Is Being Evaluated Because of Pain and Stiffness

A 38-year-old woman is being evaluated because of pain and stiffness in both of her hands for the past 2 weeks. The pain is most severe early in the day and does not respond to ibuprofen. She has no other medical problems. Family history is significant for hypertension on her maternal side. Vital signs are within normal limits. Examination shows swelling and tenderness of the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints bilaterally. Range of motion is decreased due to pain. There are subcutaneous, nontender, firm, mobile nodules on the extensor surface of the forearm. Which of the following drugs would provide the most rapid relief of her symptoms?

A) Colchicine
B) Hydroxychloroquine
C) Methotrexate
D) Minocycline
E) Prednisone
F) Sulfasalazine