Restore your wellness and productivityRheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes patients to experience pain during movement. This chronic condition hinders a patient’s mobility by causing pain. One of the leading health conditions hindering productivity is rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, your doctor can recommend biologics Houston medication to help manage your condition. These medications are effective in controlling the inflammatory process to eliminate symptoms.
Why you should take biologics
There are various conservative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. However, patients who do not gain relief from a traditional approach require aggressive therapies to manage the long-term side effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Working with trained and experienced physicians before taking biologics is essential. These genetically-engineered proteins are effective for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. You may continue taking your rheumatoid arthritis meditations when undergoing this treatment. However, ensure that you inform your doctor about all the current medications you are on to identify contraindications.
What are the types of biologics?
There are different biologics available to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Physicians classify biologics into different types depending on their function. The most common biologics are of the following types:
- B-cell inhibitor: B cells are specific white blood cells that trigger immune responses. B-cell inhibitors are biologics that target these cells to manage your rheumatoid arthritis.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) blocker: Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in your body tissues. This biologic helps manage inflammation by controlling the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) or interleukin-17 blocker: Patients usually take this type of biologics to prevent the attachment of inflammatory chemicals into cells.
- Selective co-stimulation modulators: These biologics hinder T-cell activity, thus interfering with immune response.
- T-cell inhibitor: These biologics hinder T-cells communication.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor: A specific chemical controls the inflammation process. This type of biologics targets this chemical to eliminate inflammation.
What to Expect When You Take a Biologic
Biologics have FDA approval for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Although you may continue taking rheumatoid arthritis medication while undergoing the therapy, you should take two biological therapies simultaneously. What to expect when taking biologics depends on the type you are on and the specific medication your doctor prescribes. For example:
- Abatacept (Orencia): Your doctor will deliver this T-cell blocker weekly via a shot. IV routes happen once a month. It is essential for your doctor to clinically examine you for signs of infections like tuberculosis before taking the medication and throughout your therapy because these biologics cause side effects like a cold and sore throat that might advance any underlying conditions.
- Anakinra (Kineret): You will take this medicine daily via a short. Side effects of this medicine include pain and skin infections. Checking for diseases before and during treatment is key to managing side effects.
Who should not take biologics?
Physicians conduct clinical assessments to detect infections like tuberculosis and hepatitis that might nullify a patient’s candidacy for treatment. It is essential to consult with a physician before taking these medications to prevent the risk of adversities. Contact J. Michael Bennett, MD, PA, if you have questions about biologics to determine the right approach to managing your rheumatoid arthritis to .
