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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. If not properly controlled, RA can cause other health complications, including joint damage and disability.

Even though there is no cure, RA can be controlled by treating it early. As we’ll learn later, many factors influence what treatment will work best for you to make sure your RA is under control.

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RA looks different for each patient. Some patients will have milder symptoms over the course of their lifetime, while others will have more severe disease that impacts multiple aspects of their life – not just the joints. RA can cause fatigue, stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also lead to comorbidities, like cardiovascular (heart) disease.

Similarly, when RA is not properly controlled, it can also affect your body function, your productivity, and how much you are able to enjoy your hobbies, social activities, or exercise.

Always share with your RA care team all the ways RA is affecting your life to make sure you get the right treatment to meet your needs.

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As mentioned, the right treatment in RA can help prevent joint damage and other complications.

“Treat-to-target” is what experts in RA recommend to make sure patients are getting the best therapy. Your RA care team will select a specific target (like no symptoms) and change your therapy until you get there.

Measuring remission may be easy for providers, but you should always remember to tell your doctor how RA is affecting you and what your goals are for treatment so they can take that into consideration when changing your therapy.

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Take some time to think about these questions. Next time you talk with your RA team, make sure you bring these issues up. Discussing them with your providers can help you get more out of your RA care and treatment.

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Over time, RA treatment has improved significantly. While NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen) and steroids play a large role in quickly relieving pain, they are not meant to be used for long periods of time—think of them like a Band-Aid for pain. DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), on the other hand, work by blocking inflammation and slowing down disease progression, offering long-term relief.

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Conventional DMARDs are very helpful for patients with moderate RA. However, because they block the entire immune system, they can cause side effects if used long-term or in high doses.

However, these therapies are safe when used as indicated by your RA care team, so always follow your doctor’s instructions, and ask if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment.

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Unlike conventional DMARDS, targeted DMARDS block specific molecules that cause RA one way or another. These are the main categories of targeted therapies in RA, and they vary in how they are given and how often they are given.

When talking to your RA care team, be sure to tell them if there is anything you are not comfortable with, and let them know what your preferences are. For example, you can ask yourself: Do I want to take pills every day, or would I rather get injections that are given every 2 or 4 weeks? Am I scared of needles, or am I comfortable with them?

All of these questions are very important in helping the RA team find a therapy that fits your needs and lifestyle – and increases the chances that you will take your treatment as prescribed!

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When going over the possible options for RA, your RA care team will explain the specific details of each therapy so you can understand your options and be part of the decision about which one would work best for you.

Remember that not all people have the same results with the same therapy, so you should not decide how the treatment will work on you based on what you hear from a friend or what you see online.

Just because something did (or did not) work for someone else does not mean it will be the same with you. Everyone is unique!

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DMARDs work in the long term, meaning they are not a quick fix, so if you are taking one of these therapies, it may take some time before you see an effect. That’s why it is important to take it as prescribed and adhere to your medication.

Again, everyone responds to therapy differently, so if you don’t feel like the therapy is working or if you have side effects, you should reach out to your RA care team immediately.

Also, some patients may have RA symptoms while taking these therapies. Sometimes these symptoms are temporary, but sometimes they are a reflection that the therapy is not working as well as it should. If this happens, reach out to your doctor before stopping or changing the way you take your medication.

Over time, your body may get used to the therapy you are taking, and you may start to feel like your RA is coming back—and that is normal! But in order to catch this early and prevent any joint damage, you should alert your RA care team as soon as you notice symptoms or experience any changes in your RA.

Luckily, there are many therapies for RA, so your RA care team will be able to evaluate where you stand and make a decision on what treatment you should try next.

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Take some time to think about these questions. Next time you talk with your RA team, make sure you bring these issues up. Discussing them with your providers can help you get more out of your RA care and treatment.

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There are many treatment options, but shared decision-making helps patients and providers find the best option for each patient.

Your opinion/voice is very important, and through shared decision-making, you can talk about what is important to you, learn more about RA, understand the available and emerging treatment options, and find a plan that fits your needs.

Shared decision-making is a continuous process. Because your RA and your life can change over time, it is important to always share those changes with your RA team in case they need to find a better therapy for you.

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When talking to your doctor, share your preferences and concerns about your treatment options; that way, you and your RA care team can agree on a therapy that will not only fit your clinical needs and target the underlying inflammation in thejoints, but also fit your unique lifestyle and preferences.

Talking to a health care provider may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! These are some tips to help you communicate better with your team.

Take some time to think about these questions. Next time you talk with your RA team, make sure you bring these issues up. Discussing them with your providers can help you get more out of your RA care and treatment.

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The best way to ensure you are on the right track to remission is by adhering to your medication and monitoring your symptoms. There are different way to keep track of this.

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