Tag: Rheumatology

An estimated 4 million people worldwide are affected by Sjögren's disease, and for those who find hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) ineffective or intolerable, there are several viable alternatives available. Addressing the complex nature of this autoimmune condition often requires exploring different medications to manage symptoms and disease activity effectively.

Over 80% of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, experience significant side effects from long-term steroid treatment. This has driven the search for effective alternatives to steroids for temporal arteritis, with approved biologics and other immunosuppressants now offering powerful steroid-sparing options.

According to the National Institutes of Health, oral colchicine has a bioavailability of approximately 45%, making it a potent anti-inflammatory agent used to manage gout. Understanding how to take colchicine for gout is crucial for treating painful attacks and preventing future flares while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

Over 32.5 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, and managing pain is a central aspect of treatment. While no single drug is right for everyone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent the most commonly prescribed medication class for osteoarthritis to manage symptoms effectively.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, between 15% and 60% of people with a chronic illness, such as lupus, experience clinical depression. For those navigating this dual diagnosis, the question, '**Can you take antidepressants with lupus?**', is critically important. The answer is yes, but it requires careful consideration and close collaboration with your healthcare team.

Approximately 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory disease. Finding what is the best thing to take for psoriatic arthritis is not a one-size-fits-all answer, as the most effective therapy is determined by an individual's unique disease characteristics and severity.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication commonly prescribed to treat lupus, with studies showing it can rapidly decrease inflammation and control disease activity. However, its use is carefully weighed against the potential for significant side effects, making the question of **is prednisone good for lupus patients** complex and dependent on individual circumstances.

For decades, patients with Sjögren's have lacked targeted treatments for the underlying causes of their disease. Exciting breakthroughs are now emerging from clinical trials, which is why many are asking: **What is the new medication for Sjogren's?** Research and development have introduced several promising new candidates, including nipocalimab and ianalumab.

With some reports indicating an annual cost upwards of $73,000, Canakinumab (sold under the brand name Ilaris) is a high-priced biologic medication. Understanding **what is the price of Canakinumab 150 mg** requires looking beyond the sticker price to consider insurance coverage, patient assistance, and the specific medical indication.

While hydroxychloroquine is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment for autoimmune diseases, studies have shown that in rare cases, it can lead to muscle problems, including pain and weakness. This serious side effect, known as myopathy, often develops after long-term use and requires careful monitoring.