The key to getting the most out of your rheumatoid arthritis therapy

If you are one of the 1.3 million people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know the pain can sometimes be debilitating. While there is no cure for the autoimmune inflammatory disease often called RA, early intervention and treatments can help you maintain a high quality of life.

Experts agree that treating RA as early as possible is a good option for managing the disease. It’s important to keep an open dialogue with your physician about pain and options for prescription treatment. Always ask questions and convey any concerns you may have.

As part of your RA treatment plan, you may be prescribed methotrexate, better known as MTX, which is a mainstay in the RA community and has been available for more than 30 years. The first course of MTX treatment is typically an oral prescription that is taken daily. Unfortunately, some patients with RA experience tolerability issues when taking these pills, which can cause their doctor to switch to a lower dose that may not be as effective.

The result is that many RA patients feel frustrated with their treatment plan. If this sounds like you, you’re likely wondering, “Is this as good as it gets?” Fortunately there are several additional options that can help you manage RA.

To start, it’s important to understand the limitations of taking MTX in pill form. Because the body ingests the treatment, only a portion of the drug is absorbed. For example, if you are prescribed 20 mgs of MTX orally, you may not absorb the full dose of the drug. One option for managing tolerability and absorption issues is by injecting MTX. This helps you get the full benefit of the dose prescribed.

If injections sound intimidating, there are options that make the process simple and relatively painless. Instead of filling a syringe and performing an injection with a needle – which might be difficult to do during RA flares – single-click prefilled options can make the process simpler. These auto-injectors make it easier to take the drug and get its intended benefits. Ask your doctor if this option might be right for you.

In addition to MTX prescription treatments, you can help manage RA by maintaining a healthy diet of foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as omega-3 rich fish, soy products, leafy greens, nuts and beans. Regular physical activity can also help you control RA symptoms, so strive to get out and remain active - even during flares. Remember to always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise plan.

Remember, the ultimate goal of RA treatment is remission. Yes, it is possible with appropriate treatments and lifestyle changes. Learn more by visiting the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org, and then ask your doctor how you can maximize treatment benefits. By staying positive and finding the right treatment plan, you can gain control of RA and continue to do all the things you love to do.