Tag: Rheumatoid arthritis

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population lives with an autoimmune disease, many of whom are treated with biologic drugs [1.11.1, 1.11.2]. When considering treatment, it's vital to ask: **What is the difference between Remicade and Humira?** These are two common, yet distinct, options.

Rinvoq (upadacitinib) reaches its maximum concentration in the blood within 2 to 4 hours of taking a dose. However, how long it takes for Rinvoq to get in your system and produce a noticeable therapeutic effect can differ significantly based on the condition being treated and individual factors.

Yes, Rinvoq (upadacitinib) can be taken with methotrexate, and this combination is a common and effective treatment strategy for certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Clinical studies have demonstrated that using Rinvoq alongside methotrexate can lead to better outcomes compared to using either drug alone, particularly for patients who have not responded adequately to methotrexate monotherapy. However, this combination requires careful medical supervision due to an increased risk of side effects, most notably serious infections.

In clinical studies, common side effects experienced within 24 hours of an ACTEMRA infusion included headache, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure. Knowing **how will I feel after an ACTEMRA infusion?** is key for managing your expectations, communicating effectively with your healthcare team, and understanding your post-treatment care.

Actemra (tocilizumab), a biologic that blocks the inflammatory protein IL-6, can improve symptoms in autoimmune conditions, but the timeline for effectiveness varies significantly among individuals. For those asking 'how do I know if Actemra is working?', the answer lies in monitoring both patient-reported symptoms and key laboratory markers over time, a process that requires close collaboration with a rheumatologist.

Clinical studies show that for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), combining ACTEMRA with methotrexate is a more effective strategy for controlling symptoms and inhibiting joint damage than methotrexate alone. The question, 'Can you take methotrexate and ACTEMRA together?', is common for patients seeking the most effective treatment approach for their condition.

Clinical trials have shown that diarrhea is one of the most common adverse events seen in patients treated with intravenous ACTEMRA, particularly those with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). While often mild, this gastrointestinal side effect can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue and warrants attention.

Initially developed as an antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine (brand name Plaquenil) is now widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For many patients, a key question arises: is hydroxychloroquine an immunosuppressant?

According to a Cochrane review, supplementing with folic or folinic acid can lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and elevated liver enzymes for patients taking methotrexate. For this reason, many patients with autoimmune conditions are prescribed a folic acid supplement to take alongside their methotrexate therapy.

While methotrexate is a highly effective treatment for many autoimmune diseases, helping to control symptoms and prevent joint damage, long-term use is associated with potential side effects. The risk of these problems, which can affect major organs like the liver, lungs, and kidneys, increases with higher doses and without proper monitoring. This medication requires careful management and consistent patient education to ensure its benefits outweigh the risks.