What Is the Best Infusion for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rituxan (rituximab)

• It belongs to a class ofbiologicsthat targets specialized immune cells known as B cells. InRA,目标和B细胞产生auto-antibodiesdamage healthy cells and tissues. Rituxan acts by preventing B cells from producing auto-antibodies.
• Rituxan is usually administered in two infusions, two weeks apart, for the initial course. To avoid undesired side effects,corticosteroidsare administered through an intravenous route about 30 minutes before each Rituxan infusion.
• Infusions of Rituxan take three to four hours. However, you won't see any changes for at least three months after treatment.
• Once treatment begins to work, the benefits can last for 6 to 12 months or longer.Rheumatologistsmay recommend that treatments must be repeated every six months.

Actemra (tocilizumab)

• Thisbiologic druginhibits the binding of inflammatory proteins known as cytokines to immune cells that prevent the immune cells from becoming activated, lowering inflammation levels.
• Actemra can be used as a single agent or in combination with other DMARDs.
• It takes about an hour to complete the infusion. When compared with other infused biologics, it typically takes four to eight weeks to notice the drug's effects.
• If a lower initial dose is ineffective, the dose can be increased. Moreover, it is available as a subcutaneous (SQ) injection.

Orencia (abatacept)

• This biologic drug inhibits a type of immune cell interaction known as co-stimulation. Blocking co-stimulation prevents cells from activating and thus stops inflammation at its source.
• Orencia is administered through intravenous infusion or SQ injection. First doses are administered at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks.
• After the initial course, doses are usually given weekly for SQ administrations or once a month for intravenous administrations. Infusions last 30 to 60 minutes each time.
• You may notice improvements within three months, and they may last for the entire first year of treatment.

Remicade(英夫利昔单抗)

• This medication is one of several biologics that target the inflammatory protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA), which is the cause of inflammation and bone erosion inRAand is found in high concentrations in the joints of people with the condition.
• Remicade works by binding directly to TNFA, preventing it from interacting with inflammatory immune cells.
• Remicade is administered through intravenous infusion, with doses initially administered every 15 days.
• Following the completion of this initial course, infusions may be administered every eight weeks for maintenance.
• Infusions last between two and four hours on average. Remicade is frequently used in conjunction with another DMARD—methotrexate.

Rheumatologists may prescribe infusion therapy forarthritistreatment to people for various reasons including symptom alleviation. When opposed to oral drugs, many people like not having to take medication regularly and find the infusions to be a better experience.

Many people prefer infusion therapy to regular oral drugs because of the advantages it provides. These advantages include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Decreased swelling
• Improved range of motion
• Increased energy
• Joint damageprevention
• Reduced aches and pains

Infusion therapy for people withRAcan provide relief from symptoms for anywhere from six months to a year. The length of each infusion session is determined by the severity of the illness and the type of medication used.

This treatment is not appropriate for all people withrheumatoid arthritis(RA).

Although side effects are rarely severe, some people report a drop inblood pressurebecause of their treatments. If you are taking blood pressure medication, your doctor may advise you to stop taking it before your first intravenous infusion therapy appointment.

In most cases, side effects of this treatment subside within the first 24 hours, but they may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Musclestiffness
• Sweating
• Flu-like symptoms
• Neck andback pain
• Upper respiratory infections
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Allergicreactions

If you've been diagnosed with RA and haven't seen any improvement with standard treatments, intravenous infusion therapy may be a good option. Doctors will decide if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a type of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the small joints in the hands, wrist, andfeet. RA may also involve the elbows, knees, ankles, and other body parts.

The joint involvement in RA is symmetric, which means that if the joints in the fingers of your left hand are inpain, you will also experiencepainin the fingers of the right hand, too.

The commonsymptoms of RAare:

• Warm, swollen, andpainful joints
• Morning stiffness in joints or stiffness after inactivity
• Joint deformity
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Dryness in eyes
• Dry mouth
• Numbness andtingling in hands and feet
• 通过cultybreathing
• Pale skin
• Depression
• Chest painor pressure

The symptoms of RA do not remain the same all the time. There may be exacerbation (flare-ups) and resolution (remissions) from time to time.

Yes,you can live a long life withrheumatoid arthritis(RA), although on average the disease has been found to shorten lifespan by a few years.

RA does not kill people, but its complications can be fatal, such as the condition raising your risk of havingcardiovascular disease(the leading cause of death in people with RA). It can also affect yourlungsand blood vessels and increase your risk of infections.

Although the disease cannot be cured, effective treatment can control the symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life and lifespan.

To achieve a longer and better quality of life:

• Take your medications as advised by your doctor.
• Eat a balanced and nutritiousdiet.
• Include lots offiberin the form of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits in yourdiet.
• Limit the intake of processed, fatty, and sugary foods.
• Limitalcoholintake.
• Avoidsmoking.
• Perform enough physical activity as advised by your doctor.
• Get enoughsleepand rest.
• Maintain personal hygiene.