PUT TIME ON YOUR SIDE
You need to be absolutely certain whether you have OA or RA.
That's why, if you suspect that you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you should see a physician who is an arthritis expert,
called a rheumatologist, as soon as you can. A
rheumatologist is the physician who specializes in arthritis
and is best qualified to give you all the necessary tests for
an accurate diagnosis. Getting the right answer, the first time,
matters. In fact, if
you want to find a rheumatologist, click here.
If you have RA, you cannot afford to waste time. RA can worsen
very quickly in its early stages and can cause serious damage to
your joints in just the first 24 months. In a study, 70% of
patients with recent RA onset showed evidence of radiographic
changes after 3 years. Put time on your side. Act fast. You'll
be glad you did.
When effective treatments for RA are started early, symptoms
can be relieved sooner, the worsening joint destruction slowed,
and early disability can be avoided.
For this reason, getting an early and correct diagnosis
(to see if you have OA or RA) may be your best chance of
ensuring your continued quality of life.
TREATING THE DISEASE, NOT JUST THE PAIN
Painkillers, such as Celebrex® (celecoxib), Naprosyn® (naproxen),
Advil® (ibuprofen), or Tylenol® (acetaminophen), kill pain. They can't
stop your disease from getting worse. Considering how fast rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can
progress, staying on painkillers alone — long-term — can address
your pain but not your disease. Medications that treat the disease
not only keep you healthier longer, they also address the pain.
See your rheumatologist today, and ask about the best way to
control your disease, not just control your pain.
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THE PAIN CONTROLLERS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include
medicines such as Advil® (ibuprofen) and Naprosyn® (naproxen). NSAIDs reduce pain and
inflammation. Possible side effects: stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding.
COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduce pain and inflammation
and are less likely to cause stomach upset.
Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids (steroids), such as Deltasone® (prednisone),
Aristocort® (triamcinolone), and
Cortone® Acetate Tablets (cortisone), alleviate joint pain, swelling,
and other symptoms of RA. Possible side effects: weight gain,
brittle bones, glaucoma, cataracts, reduced immunity, high blood
pressure, fragile skin, and the onset or worsening of diabetes.
THE DISEASE MODIFIERS
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as
Rheumatrex® (methotrexate) and Arava® (leflunomide), help prevent
joint and cartilage damage. They may produce significant improvements
in many patients. Possible side effects: rashes, mouth sores, upset stomach, kidney problems and blood abnormalities.
Biologic DMARDs (anti-TNF agents), such as Humira™ (adalimumab), Enbrel® (etanercept),
and Remicade® (infliximab), help to reduce the symptoms of
RA by targeting the body's own immune system to slow down the
inflammation process. They also slow the progression
of joint damage. Such medications are injected under the skin or given via an IV. Possible side
effects: injection or infusion site reactions, infections, headache, rash, nervous system and blood disorders.
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