When Cox-2 inhibitors first came on the market there was almost euphoria: Finally, those patients with chronic pain and in need of anti-inflammatory medication have a safer alternative to the "old" anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Naprosyn-drugs which carried with them an increased risk of hospitalization and even death due... Read more
The American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston last week provided more good data on the new-and investigational--rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra, an IL-6 inhibitor. Studies of Actemra found that about 60% of the patients taking that drug with a traditional disease modifying drug achieved a 20% reduction in... Read more
My last blog discussed the Rheumatoid Factor, its significance, and perhaps its insignificance. The bottom line, however, is that rheumatologists are on a seemingly never-ending quest to find ways to predict who among our patients will have a worse outcome, and therefore are perhaps deserving of being treated aggressively even before their... Read more
Rheumatoid factors are antibodies that attach to other antibodies. This may be associated with inflammation. It is a test used to help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are many other conditions associated with a positive rheumatoid factor. These conditions include Sjogren's syndrome, viral illnesses (including... Read more
Get answers from our experts and community members.
I am having pain in left scapula/rib area, Can RA affect this area? It feels,I think like a knot
View all questions >
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on MyRACentral.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2005-2008. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
 | We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. |
