ARTHRITIS MEDICATIONS THAT REQUIRE YOUR FULL ATTENTION

The first-line medications used to slow the progress of the disease act on the inflammation itself. They are referred to as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

ABOUT DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS

The most widely studied and prescribed DMARD for RA is methotrexate. Others include hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, which may be used together with methotrexate or alone when methotrexate is not appropriate.

You may notice that methotrexate is commonly used in cancer therapies as well. However, the doses used to treat RA are much lower and will not produce the same effects as those seen in cancer treatments.

People taking methotrexate should also take a folic acid supplement (a vitamin in the Vitamin B family) as the drug depletes the body of this vitamin.

DMARD doses are adapted to your needs based on the severity of your symptoms and the stage of the disease. There is often a dose adjustment period in the early days of treatment. Your pharmacist will be there to assist you during this important time.

FOLLOWING DOSING SCHEDULES AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONS

• Each DMARD comes with its own prescribed dosing regimen that you must adhere to. For instance, Methotrexate is typically taken only once a week, while other DMARDs are usually administered daily.

  DMARDs often come with specific instructions that should be followed to ensure their maximum effectiveness and to minimize the risk of adverse side effects. For example:

  1. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
  2. Protect your skin from the sun.
  3. Stay well-hydrated during treatment.

  If you have any questions or encounter difficulties while adhering to the instructions or medication schedule, it’s advisable to consult with your pharmacist.

  Since it may take several weeks of treatment before the benefits of DMARDs become noticeable, your doctor might prescribe other medications to alleviate lingering pain or reduce inflammation until the full effects of DMARDs become evident.

HOW YOUR PHARMACIST CAN HELP

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis requires regular medical monitoring. It is crucial that you show up for your medical appointments and undergo the tests prescribed by your doctors, especially blood tests and eye examinations.

Your pharmacist plays an active role in this monitoring by ensuring that you tolerate your medications well and by recommending solutions to mitigate any adverse effects you may be feeling. He or she will also check that all your medications are compatible and will analyze your profile to avoid you taking a medication you may be allergic to or that could be unsuitable for you. This includes over-the-counter medications and natural health products, as DMARDs can interact with many products.

If your medications are due for renewal on different dates, ask your pharmacist to synchronize them, so as to avoid confusion and multiple trips to the pharmacy.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that requires close monitoring. Remember, you can count on your pharmacist’s support throughout your treatment.