Rheumatoid ArthritisInfo Center

RA Drugs Carry Similar Risk
Many experts recommend that rheumatoid arthritis patients get early drug treatment to slow down their disease and prevent disability. With so many drug options, it's important to know the safety of each drug.
Infection Risk Up in Seniors with RA
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to more than painful joints; it can lead to other serious health problems. If doctors know which patients are at risk, they can take steps to prevent complications.
RA May Be More Active in Poor People
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, meaning it can last for years to a lifetime. Throughout the course of the disease, symptoms can get better or worse. Many factors can affect disease activity, including wealth.
Cigarettes May Worsen Arthritis
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are two vices that can take a toll on your health in a variety of ways. More specifically, these habits may worsen certain types of arthritis.
Second Line of Defense Against RA
People with rheumatoid arthritis are often treated with anti-TNF drugs. When these drugs fail, patients may need to switch to a different drug. But which drug should be the second line of defense?
RA Drugs May Boost Infection Risk
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly treated with anti-TNF medications. As with many arthritis drugs, there are concerns that anti-TNF drugs may lead to some serious side effects.
Losing the Brain in RA
As people grow old, they may start to have problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment. Some diseases may play a role in this loss of brain function known as cognitive impairment.
Blood Testing in RA-Diabetes Combo
Heart disease is a common complication of diabetes. To stay healthy, diabetes patients need to keep a close eye on levels of blood sugar and fat.
Arthritis Drug has Dizzying Side Effects
Despite decades of use, methotrexate (sold as Rheumatrex and Trexall) remains a first-choice drug for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. But some side effects lead patients to stop taking the drug.
High Flu Risk in RA Patients
Every year, thousands of Americans come down with the flu. If you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more likely to get the flu.