Biologics and RA -- What Treatment Looks Like

Pain. Fatigue. Stiffness. Swollen joints. You can tell from day to day when rheumatoid arthritis symptoms come at you strong.

For some people with RA, this irreversible damage -- even when it isn't flaring -- begins within 2 years of RA diagnosis and progresses over time.

There's no cure for RA. Still, early and aggressive treatments can help prevent further damage to your joints and promote remission.

With RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. Aggressive treatments like DMARDs and biologics slow joint damage by working on your defenses. Talk with your doctor about them.

If your RA hasn't responded to traditional disease-modifying medications like methotrexate or sulfasalazine, biologics may be able to help. Ask your doctor if it's an option for you.

They usually help 2 out of 3 people who take them. To improve your odds, doctors frequently prescribe other medications along with the biologic.

Like most medications, biologics can come with some side effects. For example, they may increase your chance of infections because they interrupt your immune system.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you're dealing with an infection before you begin biologics. They'll also screen you for tuberculosis and other diseases and check for hidden infection.

Another issue to consider when weighing your options, like with all medications, is cost. So don't be shy about asking your doctor about prescription assistance programs or affordable medication options.

That depends on the specific drug your doctor prescribes you. They're given either by intravenous infusion (IV) or a shot.

For shots, you'll be taught how to give them to yourself, so you can be in control. Most shots are needed on an ongoing basis. They're taken anywhere from once a day to once a month.

You'll visit your doctor's office or a clinic. IV sessions usually last a couple of hours. At first, treatment may be needed every couple of weeks. After that, it'll be spread out over time. 

It may take several weeks before you notice a difference in your swelling, joint pain, or stiffness. Be patient, and stick to your treatment plan.

No, but they may make you feel much better. Some people improve so much, they have few if any RA symptoms. That's called "remission on medication."

No matter how you feel, quitting biologics suddenly can put you at risk for a flare. You can find the right treatment plan by working closely with your doctor.