• Understanding RA
  • Signs and symptoms of RA
  • A Progressive Disease
  • The Long-Term Impact
  • RA vs osteoarthritis
  • Diseases confused with RA
  • Who gets RA?
  • Caring for someone with RA
  • Taking care of yourself
• Diagnosing RA
  • Preparing to visit a rheumatologist
  • How a diagnosis is made
  • RA profile sheet
• Treating RA
  • Types of RA medications
  • Taking RA biologics
  • Goals of RA treatment
  • Assessing your RA treatment
  • Talking to your doctor
  • The patient advocate
  • Your RA Team
• Healthy Living With RA
  • Coping with pain and fatigue
  • RA Life Guide
  • Emotional Health
  • Getting Support
  • Exercise and RA
  • Healthy diet
  • Healthy choices
• Additional Resources
  • RA glossary
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Helpful Links
  • Webcast Archive

When it comes to a disease like RA, finding the right treatment can make a difference. And since RA can present itself differently in every person who has the disease, treatment will vary as well.

There are several different medications available for RA. Some come in pill form and may be used for pain relief, to reduce inflammation or to modify the course of the disease. Other powerful treatments are given by injection or infusion and are generally used in more resistant or severe disease.

The type that's right for you will depend on your medical history, the severity of your condition, the predicted course your RA may take, and your personal needs and lifestyle in general. Your rheumatologist will take all of this into consideration when prescribing treatment, which is why good communication with your doctor is so important.

Keep in mind that finding a treatment that best suits your needs may be a process of trial and error. You may be taking medication already, and it may not work as well as it used to. Or you may find that one treatment didn't give you adequate results in the first place. While it’s normal to feel frustrated, don't give up hope.

Work with your doctor, and communicate how you're feeling, making sure to discuss symptoms, drug side effects, and any other details that concern you. This will give the rheumatologist the information he or she needs to assess your condition, adjust your medications, and continue to aim for the best relief possible.

So how do you know if it's time to consider a new treatment for RA? First, consider the general goals for RA treatment: to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, prevent further joint damage, and improve quality of life. Then, start thinking about answers to questions like:

• Do you still experience pain with your current treatment?
• How do you feel now, both physically and emotionally, compared to when you first started your current medication?
• Do you still experience pain, and do you think you could be getting more relief?
• Have you regained the ability to perform everyday tasks that may have become difficult since you first starting experiencing symptoms?

If your answers to such questions concern you, it may be time to talk to your rheumatologist about other potential treatment option. New steps forward are being made in RA medications all the time. The keys to finding the one that is right for you are careful monitoring of your condition and treatment and effective communication with your doctor.