Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the joints and is the most common cause of joint pain in adults.  It is a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint damage.  RA affects more than 2.1 million Americans, typically aged 40 to 70 years old.  Seventy-five percent of all patients are women. Every year RA results in more than 9 million doctor visits and 250,000 hospitalizations.

Ascend SpecialtyRx manages patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on the most recent Guidelines for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, published by the American College of Rheumatology. 

Our pharmacy maintains full availability of all needed medications and medical supplies, and we offer around-the-clock emergency support and patient counseling, as well as confidential, flexible and on-time delivery options.

Our expert pharmacy team works closely with each patient and their healthcare providers to help ensure that patients take their medications as prescribed, and monitor for any side effects from the medications.  We can also provide alternative therapy, whenever appropriate.

            Enbrel

            Humira

            Kineret

            Orencia

            Remicade

            Rituxan

            Simponi

Patients need additional monitoring and support to maintain the safe and effective use of their medications.  For example, each month, our pharmacy team may remind patients of the importance of notifying both their primary care doctor and rheumatologist if treated for an infection with antibiotics.  We may also ask if the patient experienced any persistent fever; extreme or unusual fatigue; unexplained or prolonged bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; redness of the injection site, or signs of infection such as sore throat or pale skin.

American College of Rheumatology

Arthritis Foundation

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases