Prevent non-adherence by building trust, overcoming barriers, and tailoring the solution to the problem. INTRODUCTION Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (often shortened to RMDs) are a group of diseases that affect the joints and muscles. There are lots of different treatments available that can both treat symptoms, and stop some of the underlying disease processes. Most […]
Category: Drug treatment
Managing PsA with pharmacological therapies
This is the lay version of the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis using pharmacological medicines. The original publication can be downloaded from the EULAR website: www.eular.org. Gossec L, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2019 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:700–712. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217159 […]
Managing RA with DMARDs
This is the lay version of the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis using synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The original publication can be downloaded from the EULAR website: www.eular.org. Smolen JS, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic […]
Using a treat-to-target approach in children with polyarticular JIA
High rates of remission achieved after 12 months of treat-to-target. Introduction Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA for short) is an umbrella term for arthritis of an unknown cause in children under the age of 16. JIA causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, as well as other symptoms like extreme tiredness (fatigue). Polyarticular […]
Changes may be needed to improve the usefulness of remission definitions
Adapting the thresholds in the Boolean remission definition would improve patient evaluation. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect a person’s joints, and may cause pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, and is more common in women than men. The goal of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is […]
Unclear benefit of Zostavax in people starting on tofacitinib
Zostavax may not provide adequate long-term protection in people taking tofacitinib for their rheumatoid arthritis. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect a person’s joints, and may cause pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, and is more common in women than men. People with rheumatoid arthritis naturally […]
Arthritis induced by cancer therapy may persist after stopping treatment
Inflammatory arthritis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs can become a long-term problem, but it can be treated. Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy used to treat cancer. There are several drugs in this group, and they are used in more than 10 cancer types. This type of treatment for cancer is […]
Maintaining steroids for people with inactive Lupus prevents relapse
Continuing long-term low-dose prednisone may help avoid relapse in people with Lupus. Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (often called Lupus or SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It typically starts in women between the ages of 15 and 45. Lupus symptoms can vary from patient to patient. People with Lupus are often very tired, have joint pain, […]
Success of infliximab discontinuation depends on disease activity at the start of treatment
This tailored treatment strategy did not statistically increase sustained remission after 1 year discontinuation. Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person’s joints, causing pain and possible disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, and is more common in women than men. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis aim to improve symptoms […]
Zostavax can be used in stable Lupus
In people with stable Lupus who are not taking intensive immunosuppressive drugs, live Herpes zoster vaccine works well. Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (often called Lupus or SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It typically starts in women between the ages of 15 and 45, but can start at a younger age. Lupus symptoms can vary from […]
