Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory systemic disease whose primary target is synovial tissue. Synovitis results in the destruction of cartilage and bone and the stretching or rupture of tendons and ligaments and, ultimately, disability. RA can also impact musculoskeletal structure, skin, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, red and white cell production, etc. Joints always are involved, particularly the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and/or feet. Larger joints such as of the shoulders, hip and jaw may also be affected. The inflammation and damage is typically symmetrical.
Most patients experience periods of flares or active disease separated by periods of symptom improvement. In a small percent of patients, RA may go into complete remission. Early, aggressive treatment with oral, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is standard therapy, including*:
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Therapy Support & Medications
Damage to the bone cartilage by synovitis can be attributed to pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha which are present in great amounts in the synovial lining of the affected joint. Disease activity and progression of joint destruction correlate with plasma and synovial levels of IL-1. Administration of injectable biological-response modifiers (BRMs) is typically the second step in RA treatment*:
| Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents: | Interleukin inhibitors: |
The newest FDA approved BRM is toclizumab which works specifically on Interluekin-6. It is an option when at least one other TNF antagonist has been tried.
Your Partner in Therapeutic Success
CoramRx maximizes compliance, minimizes complications and helps patients achieve therapeutic success in the most cost-efficient and clinically effective way possible. One week prior to each prescription dispense, you will receive a refill reminder phone call. To help ensure success with your RA therapy, your pharmacy department team member will ask a series of clinical monitoring questions related to: Compliance to prescribed therapy, drug side effects, hospitalization, change in medication profile, disease status and effectiveness of prescribed therapy.
Patient Resources
The organizations listed below offer a variety of services and resources for consumers and caregivers. Please note that some organizations may charge a fee for access to services. This listing is not an endorsement of these organizations, or information they may disseminate. We strongly suggest you discuss any information you receive from these organizations with a qualified professional before making any changes in your healthcare, insurance coverage or home care provider.
Arthritis Foundation — a not-for-profit organization that helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
Biologic Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis article — provides an overview of RA and biologic drugs as well as their use, how they work, dosing information and side effects.
RheumatoidArthritis.com — helpful information about understanding RA as well diagnosising, treating, and living with RA.
Within Our Reach - a site dedicated to finding a cure for RA with resources for those living with RA including patient stories.
FDA: Disposing Unused Medication — government guidelines for disposing unused medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of prescription drugs.
Learn More
- To learn more about your options for managing RA and CoramRx, please contact us.
- To enroll as a RA patient with CoramRx, please complete our Patient Enrollment Form.
*Please contact CoramRx about other therapies not listed here.