And even if you’re on an RA treatment plan that’s working for you now, it may become less effective over time, or you may notice more flares. That’s why it’s normal to have to change your treatment strategy through the years. Together, you and your healthcare provider can decide when you may benefit from a treatment switch. But before you make a change, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Why Switch RA Medications?
Once you and your doctor have identified the treatment — or combination of treatments — that effectively controls your RA, it’s wise to stick with it. But you may benefit from reevaluating your treatment strategy if:
Your RA symptoms have worsened, such as an increase in joint pain, swelling, or fatigue.You’ve developed new RA symptoms.You’re unable to control RA flares.
These are all signs your RA treatment plan isn’t working as well as it used to. “If you’re not doing well and you’re unhappy with your treatment results, it’s normal to want to increase the efficacy of your treatment plan,” says Nilanjana Bose, MD, a rheumatologist at Lonestar Rheumatology in Houston. Before you make any changes, it’s important to first check in with your doctor. “You shouldn’t start or stop a medicine without your rheumatologist knowing,” says Dr. Bose, “because the underlying disease may flare, or there may be untoward side effects.” Your doctor may want to do some testing, such as bloodwork, to check inflammation levels in your body. From there, you can work together to decide if changing treatment can help you regain control of your RA.
The Pros and Cons of Making an RA Treatment Change
Changing your RA treatment can come with a mix of risks and benefits. Weighing the pros and cons with your doctor can help you make informed treatment decisions. Here’s what to know before you make a switch.
Work With Your Doctor
If you suspect you may benefit from a treatment change, talk to your doctor. “Sit down together and go through your current medications, and really think about why you’re not responding,” says Bose. Discuss your treatment plan to make sure you’re following it as prescribed. Or, your doctor may mention other factors that could contributing to your new or worsening symptoms. “Then you can decide if it truly is a failure of the drug or if there may be something else that’s leading to your symptoms that’s not the drug’s fault.” By working together, you can make informed treatment decisions. “Every medicine comes with its own baggage,” adds Bose. Considering the number of treatment options available, you and your healthcare provider can weigh the pros and cons and develop a plan to get your RA back under control. Additional reporting by Sherry Christiansen
