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

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.
| January 30, 2015

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 http://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.

Share this story!
Top trends in smart home technology for 2015 and beyond
(BPT) - Home is where the heart is, and now thanks to home automation, it’s also where technology thrives....
How the Affordable Care Act may affect your tax refund
(BPT) - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) brings a lot of changes to this year's tax code. Do you know if and how it will...

Related

Three Tips for Staying Healthy Over 50
A healthy lifestyle is necessary at any age, but for those over 50, it’s especially important. As you age, your body changes, and your risk...
The facts about senior men and memory loss
Causes for memory loss in senior men continue to baffle medical professionals, as their are few clues to the reasons for MCI....
Fight Alzheimer’s by staying social
Learn what recent studies show about the link between remaining social into your senior years and lowered instances of Alzheimer’s....
WWII veteran receives recognition with pinning ceremony at end of life
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Providence Hospice of Seattle are using the national "We Honor Veterans" campaign, a comprehensive program funded by...
Losing sleep over menopause? Talking on the phone can help!
Like many women going through menopause, Deborah Diamond was struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Hot flashes woke her in the middle of the...
How seniors are staying connected through their golden years
(Family Features) For seniors, keeping in touch with friends, family and caregivers is important to maintain an active social life and remain independent....

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

Seattle Senior Resource Fair
Pick a peck of purple pickled onions
A New Lens on Dementia Care
Sent Across the Nation
Enjoy a Door County Tradition When You Experience a Fish Boil

BE IN THE KNOW

NWPT-Subscribe

Recent Posts

Seattle Senior Resource Fair
Pick a peck of purple pickled onions
A New Lens on Dementia Care
Sent Across the Nation
Enjoy a Door County Tradition When You Experience a Fish Boil