Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic disease that requires ongoing care and treatment for patients to live active and fulfilling lives. Unlike other types of arthritis, which are limited to the joints, RA is a systemic disease that can negatively affect organs within the body. Early diagnosis improves long-term prognosis though patients will require drug therapy to help manage the disease and lead normal lives. By getting prescriptions from a specialty RA pharmacy, patients can get expert support from a team of pharmaceutical professionals who are highly skilled and experienced with rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Did you know…that of the 50 million Americans living with arthritis, the Centers for Disease Control reports that only 1.5 million have rheumatoid arthritis? The majority of those individuals are taking prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunosuppressants, and TNF-alpha inhibitors. Those are in addition to drugs that may be prescribed to alleviate the side effects of treatment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the support of a rheumatoid arthritis pharmacy?
Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that you will likely take prescription medications to manage for the rest of your life. You want a pharmacist who knows you and the specific challenges that RA treatment may cause. An RA pharmacist can help you learn to monitor your medications and report potentially serious side effects. But most importantly, your specialty pharmacy will provide you with helpful tips and instructions concerning an administration of daily RA injections and medications.
What should I expect from a rheumatoid arthritis pharmacy?
A rheumatoid arthritis pharmacy should always have RA medications in stock. If you notice that a particular medication is causing you difficulty, an RA pharmacy will have alternatives on hand if your doctor prescribes them. Furthermore, you can expect your RA pharmacy to be aware of all the latest changes and advancements in RA treatment, informing you of new medications that you may wish to discuss with your doctor.
Is there anything I should discuss with my pharmacist?
Some rheumatoid arthritis medications have potentially serious side effects. It is important to speak with both your doctor and your pharmacist about any side effects you may be experiencing, whether it is as minor as nausea or as serious as chest pain. Also, ask your pharmacist about your options for simplifying or compounding medications when possible.
