Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Rheumatoid Arthritis

In conclusion, there are still many studies which need to be completed before the various complementary and alternative medicine therapies can unequivocally be considered effective in rheumatoid arthritis.  Some CAM therapies can actually be harmful, particularly in combination with certain prescription medications; it is important for a patient who chooses to use CAM therapy to let his or her doctor know every pill or powder they are taking so that adverse events do not occur.  In this era of assuming everything “organic” is good, do not be fooled into spending good money on complementary and alternative medicine preparations which may do nothing except drain your bank account.  There is nothing that I discussed today that can or should replace the conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis in those patients who need treatment.