Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy > Conditions and therapies > Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis
PrintRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, progressive condition that causes inflammation, or swelling, in the body’s joints. Swelling, stiffness, and pain caused by RA can often make it difficult to move. Parts of the body that can be affected by RA include:
- Hands
- Feet
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Hips
- Knees
RA also can affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Select any question to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) below:
Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?
Who develops rheumatoid arthritis?
Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
What are flares and remissions?
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
What medications are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
What are other ways to manage rheumatoid arthritis?
What other procedures are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
How can Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy help?
Where can I find more information on rheumatoid arthritis?
Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?
Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment is focused on minimizing symptoms and preventing disability by introducing medication therapy before permanent joint damage has occurred. No one treatment is effective for every person, and it is often necessary to adjust treatment as time goes on.
Who develops rheumatoid arthritis?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects nearly 2.1 million Americans. Although anyone can develop RA, it most often affects women. It is most often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
There currently is no way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Continuing research may produce ways to reduce the chances of developing RA.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, or a disease where the body’s immune system attacks itself. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the healthy tissue that forms a protective sac around each joint. The body calls up too many cells to fight off the attack, and the result is pain and swelling. The affected joints can lose their shape and become crooked, which can make it painful to move.
Other factors may also contribute to the development of RA, including the following:
- Age: RA can occur at any age, but usually begins in middle age.
- Gender: Hormones may play a part, as RA is more common among women.
- Genes: If one or both of your parents were diagnosed with RA, you might have inherited certain genes that made you more likely to develop RA. However, it is possible to carry the genes without developing RA.
- Environment: Things in the environment, such as bacteria or viruses, may trigger RA in some people.
- Lifestyle: Certain health habits, such as heavy smoking, might increase the risk of developing RA.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Symptoms typically appear first in the wrists and fingers, then in the elbows, ankles, feet, and toes. Symptoms are usually symmetric, meaning they appear equally on both sides of the body. RA may affect different joints in different people, but it is most common in the wrist and fingers.
The stiffness associated with RA is typically worst after waking in the morning or after a long rest. The long period of morning stiffness is an important diagnostic clue for RA, as it is not very common with other conditions. Other symptoms of RA can include:
- Mild fever
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Lumps called nodules under the skin at pressure points, like the elbows
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of appetite
What are flares and remissions?
RA symptoms often cycle between flares and remissions. Flares are times when symptoms become worse. During remissions, there may be fewer symptoms or none at all.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions, especially in early stages. There is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of RA. To make a diagnosis, a doctor typically evaluates symptoms along with physical examination findings, results of laboratory tests, and X-rays.
People diagnosed with RA typically have the following blood test results:
- Anemia, or low red blood cell count
- Presence of rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80 percent of those with RA
- An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or “sed rate,” which is linked to the amount of swelling in the joints
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Successful management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires early diagnosis and, at times, aggressive treatment. In most cases, doctors will prescribe medication therapy and adjust treatment as needed.
The primary goals of rheumatoid arthritis treatment are:
- Relieving pain
- Reducing inflammation
- Slowing or stopping joint damage
- Preserving well-being and ability to function
What medications are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids, or steroids
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biologic response modifiers (BRMs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to treat the symptoms of RA. NSAIDs reduce joint pain and swelling, which helps improve joint function. However, they do not slow the progression of the disease or prevent damage to the joints, so they are typically used along with other types of medication to treat RA. NSAIDs can increase risk of kidney or liver damage, ulcers, and bleeding in the stomach if taken over a long period of time.
Corticosteroids, or steroids such as prednisone, can also help relieve RA symptoms. Low-dose oral corticosteroids may be helpful for people who are unable to take NSAIDs. Corticosteroids may also be injected directly into a joint to relieve RA flares.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) suppress the immune system and help slow joint damage. Doctors advise that most people should begin DMARD therapy within three months of RA diagnosis.
A new class of medications, referred to as biologic response modifiers (BRMs) or “biologic agents”, can target specific parts of the immune system that lead to joint and tissue damage in RA. Improvement may begin as soon as two weeks after treatment starts. These medications are administered by subcutaneous injection just under the skin, intramuscular injection into a muscle, or intravenous infusion directly into a vein. Not all people with RA respond to this therapy, and disease flares occur after therapy is discontinued.
If you find it difficult to take your RA medications as prescribed because of side effects or other problems, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Not taking medications as prescribed can cause symptoms to return and may advance the progression of the disease.
What are other ways to manage rheumatoid arthritis?
In addition to taking medication, several lifestyle changes can help you manage rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms, including the following:
- Get regular physical activity to help reduce inflammation and relieve stiffness and weakness.
- Prioritize everyday tasks and get enough rest to save energy.
- Learn how to treat and manage flares.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Talk with others for support and find ways to relax.
Talk to your doctor about making lifestyle changes that are appropriate for you.
What other procedures are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
If medication therapy and lifestyle changes do not improve symptoms or slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your doctor might suggest surgery. Several surgical procedures can be used to treat RA:
- Arthroscopic surgery is done using a thin, lighted tube that allows the doctor to see inside a joint (usually the knee or hip) to remove loose cartilage (coating at the ends of bones), smooth joint surfaces or remove swollen tissue.
- Tendon reconstruction is used to repair and reconstruct tendons (most often in the hands) that have been damaged by RA.
- A synovectomy, typically done as part of reconstructive surgery, removes inflamed tissue around the joints to provide temporary pain relief.
- Joint fusion surgery connects the ends of two bones in a joint to limit movement but relieve pain and increase stability.
- Joint replacement surgery removes an arthritic joint and replaces it with a new, artificial joint.
If you need surgery, your doctor will determine which procedure is best for you.
How can Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy help?
It is important to find a pharmacy that understands the medications and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Our specially trained pharmacists join your treatment team, working together with your doctor and other healthcare providers, to support their services and help you get the most from your therapy.
To take advantage of Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy’s patient support services, call us toll free at 888-782-8443, or complete our online form.
Where can I find more information on rheumatoid arthritis?
The more informed you are, the better you can manage your health. The sites listed below are considered highly reliable.
Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
www.niams.nih.gov
MedLine Plus—Rheumatoid Arthritis
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html
Inclusion of resources on this list does not imply endorsement by Walgreen Co. or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. These resources should be used for general information and educational purposes only. Information provided by these resources should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified health or medical professional.
Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.