Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since you’ve recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor these questions at your next visit.

1. How advanced is my arthritis?
2. Do I have the rheumatoid factor antibody? What is the significance of its presence and level?
3. What are the potential side effects of my drugs and how will they be monitored?
4. How should I treat those side effects? When should I call you about them?
5. Should I try one of the newer disease-modifying drugs that are injected?
6. What should I use when the pain flares?
7. Would a Cox-2 inhibitor be a better choice for me than other NSAIDs?
8. What exercises would be best for me?
9. Would physical therapy be appropriate for me?
10. Are there any clinical trials appropriate for me?