Rheumatoid arthritis
How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic—but manageable—disease that affects the joints. While RA presents challenges, the good news is that treatments are available to help manage symptoms so you can live a full, active life.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?¹
RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the small joints in the hands, feet, wrists and ankles.
The cause of RA is unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition typically develops between ages 30–50, and it’s more common in women than men.
If you’ve been diagnosed with RA, you can manage—or even slow—the disease’s progression through treatment and medications.
RA symptoms can vary from patient to patient and can change over time. Early diagnosis can help to prevent joint damage, so it’s important to meet with your doctor if you’ve noticed common symptoms of RA, such as:¹,²
- Fatigue or low energy
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Limited ability to perform normal daily activities
- Loss of appetite
- Morning stiffness
- Occasional fever
- Small lumps around your joints
- Warm, tender joints
There are different treatment options to manage RA, including physical therapy and medications. The main goals of treatment are to control inflammation, relieve joint pain, improve motor function and achieve remission.²
CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat RA, as directed by your prescriber.
Getting involved with your community
Whether it’s sharing your story, joining a support group or contributing to message boards, you can make a difference for others living with RA.
Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are
Emotional support
Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.
Financial assistance
Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you need. We’ll also assist you with the application process.
Clinical guidance
Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.
Sources
- "Rheumatoid Arthritis," Johns Hopkins Medicine, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
- "Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More," Arthritis Foundation, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.
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