What if I'm scared of stronger treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
As with any prescription, potential side effects of a rheumatoid arthritis medication must be balanced with the benefits. In this video, rheumatologist Paula Rackoff, MD, explains how side effects can be monitored and managed.
Transcript
Then I always try to get people to understand that any potential side effect, we really, for the most part,
can monitor and treat, and we can always stop the medication. [UPBEAT MUSIC]
We always have to balance the potential side effects of the medication with the disease itself.
So if not treating the disease puts you at greater risk in terms of immobility, pain, fatigue,
fitful sleep, and actually organ involvement, then I always try to get people to understand
that any potential side effect, we really, for the most part, can monitor and treat, and we can always stop the medication.
And again, it comes back to that basic problem is, how severe is the rheumatoid arthritis?
I have many patients who don't want to take any medication, and when they get to a point where they can't really
function the way they want to, then they often ask for the medications. [UPBEAT MUSIC]
rheumatoid arthritis
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