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Biologics and RA — What Treatment Looks Like

RA Symptoms Can Hit You Hard

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness
  • Swollen joints

You May Not Notice Early Joint Damage

  • Damage can start within 2 years
  • It's not reversible and gets worse over time

Early, Aggressive RA Treatment Can Help

  • Prevent further joint damage
  • Promote disease remission
  • Treatment cannot reverse damage or cure RA

Biologics Are Used to Prevent Joint Damage

  • In RA, the immune system attacks the joints
  • Biologics affect the immune system and slow joint damage

When Are Biologics a Treatment Option?

  • When RA hasn't responded to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine

Who Do Biologics Help?

  • Usually work for two out of three people
  • Biologics are taken with other medications to improve chances of success

Potential Side Effects of Biologics

  • They disrupt immune system
  • Risks include chance of infection

Tell Your Doctor About Infection

  • Hidden infection can cause problems
  • You'll be screened for TB (tuberculosis) before beginning biologics

Biologics Can Be Expensive

  • Can cost about $15,000 or more a year
  • Ask your doctor about prescription assistance programs or affordable medication options

How and When You'll Take a Biologic

  • Depends on your drug
  • Biologics are given by IV or injection

If You Take Biologics by Injection

  • You'll learn how to give them to yourself
  • Most people take the shots long-term
  • Depending on the drug, you may take them once a day to once a month

If You Take Biologics by Infusion

  • You'll go to your doctor's for infusions (IVs)
  • Sessions take a few hours
  • At first, you may need treatments every couple weeks
  • Over time, you'll get IVs less often

Biologics May Take Time to Work

  • It may take a few weeks for symptoms to ease
  • Stick to your treatment plan

Can Biologics Cure My RA?

  • Biologics will not cure RA or reverse joint damage but may make you feel much better
  • You may have few or no symptoms or new joint damage

Work With Your Doctor to Monitor Your Treatment

  • Don't suddenly quit taking a biologic because it may cause symptoms to flare
  • By working together you can find the right treatment plan for you

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on August 23, 2011

Sources: Sources

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Disclaimer

© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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