Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder, characterized with progressive synovitis, cartilage damage and bone resorption. Inflammation is a complex immune response and cytokines play an important role. Interleukin-12 (IL-12 and interleukin 17(A IL-17) are now known to be key players of the pathogenesis in RA. IL-12 promotes differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and IFNγ production, whereas Th17-induced IL-17 coordinates inflammatory cascades leading to articular destruction. In this review we detail the data from 2015 to 2026 supporting roles for IL-12 and IL-17 in the pathogenesis of RA, serum and synovial levels, association with disease activity, and therapeutic efficacy. Understanding these cytokines is helpful for establishing new- agents and personalized therapies.