Management & treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease which causes significant damage to joints over time. While there is no ‘cure’ for the disease at this time, the availability of newer, more effective treatments, means that many people receiving treatment can expect to have good disease control with few if any symptoms of joint damage, particularly if the condition is diagnosed early and appropriate treatment commenced. ‘Remission’ which in general terms means the complete absence of any signs or symptoms of disease is becoming a realistic treatment goal for many people, particularly since the introduction of new targeted therapies for the condition.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is dependent upon many factors but may include physiotherapy, drug treatments or surgical interventions. Regardless of the type of treatment, the objectives are the same - reducing pain, swelling and fatigue, slowing the progression of the disease and preventing joint damage.
Nearly 30% of people do not respond well to or cannot tolerate standard treatment for severe rheumatoid arthritis.3, 4 Different combinations or different treatments may be appropriate for these people.
References:
3. Hyrich KL, Lunt M, Watson KD, et al. Outcomes after switching from one anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agent to a second anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a large UK national cohort study. Arthritis & Rheumatism 2007; 56(1): 13-20
4. Smolen J S, Keystone E C, Emery P et al. Consensus statement on the use of rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Disease 2007; 66(2): 143-50