Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) support program

RA treatment

Early, aggressive treatment. The first strategy is to reduce or stop inflammation as quickly as possible – the earlier, the better.

Left untreated, inflammatory arthritis can cause irreversible joint damage, impair physical functions

There are several secrets to achieving really effective therapy in inflammatory diseases

Why is the early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis so important? If people are experiencing these symptoms and have ongoing joint pain ...

If treatment is not taken early and quickly you can end up with serious joint damage.

If these conditions aren’t treated early, unfortunately the inflammation that occurs can really cause quite devastating joint damage.

They are a type of medication called a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug or DMARD for short ...

Biologics are a type of medication that can be prescribed for some forms of inflammatory arthritis ...

Etanercept (brand name Enbrel) is one of a group of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or

DMARDs are used to treat inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The most commonly used DMARD is methotrexate. It is important to note that the doses...

The biggest breakthrough in rheumatology. They treat the disease rather than numb the symptoms.

Methotrexate is prescribed for a number of patients with rheumatic diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, even..

One of the problems with methotrexate is there are so many misconceptions about it

Methotrexate attracts a lot of bad press due to the fact it is used in very high dosages for cancer treatment.

Methotrexate is a well-established,

Once treatment is started, it is important for patients to maintain close contact with their general practitioner and their rheumatologist

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition where the body’s immune system...

The information below is useful if your doctor has recommended injections of methotrexate either for better efficacy or to reduce ...

Low dose once weekly methotrexate is the gold standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other immune related diseases.

This webinar by NPS MedicineWise (co-designed with the Australian Rheumatology Association and Arthritis NZ) reinforces the role ...

Leflunomide (brand name Arava) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is an ...

Adalimumab (brand name Humira) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARD

Rituximab (brand name Mabthera, Mabthera SC, Riximyo, Truxima)) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease-modifying...

D-Penicillamine, usually referred to as penicillamine, (brand name: D-Penamine) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis...

Abatacept (brand name Orencia) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARD

Gold medicines were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain relievers are often the first medicine your doctor will recommend to help with pain.

Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment for most people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s run by physiotherapists, who are ...

Undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis is still...

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of different conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hydrotherapy differs ...

If medical therapy fails to control your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in one or more joints, surgery could be an option to help improve your ..

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imaging tests are used to look for signs of RA and to monitor the disease’s progression. These tests primarily...

Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When you have knee or hip surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can look forward to better mobility and function afterward.

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to help you to participate in activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists can help by..

Your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect you in many different ways, but your occupational therapist will help you with some of the ...

Paracetamol is a common pain killer (analgesic). It can also lower raised body temperature (fever). It is used for relief of fever, headache

NSAIDs reduce inflammation, joint swelling and stiffness. They are often used to treat...

Hydroxychloroquine (brand name Plaquenil, Plaquenil Sulfate) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditi

Sulfasalazine (brand names Pyralin EN, Salazopyrin EN) is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used to treat other

Prednisone is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It is necessary for the normal working of the body.

An introduction to the most common types of surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including tips on when to talk to your doctor about ...

Infliximab, also known as bDMARDs, helps with blocking natural substances called cytokines found in joints of people suffering from rhematoi

Blood tests can be useful to help diagnose some, but not all, types of arthritis. Always discuss your blood test results with your doctor.

Even though arthritis may be a long-term disorder, we now have excellent treatment that...

Tocilizumab (brand name Actemra) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMA

young brunette woman therapist sitting on a chair with a notebook on her lap and an older woman on the couch talking and smiling

You have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your joints are sore and stiff and you may be fatigued. So why am I being referred to a psychologist?

Your arthritis
-What is RA?
-Causes of RA
-Diagnosis
-Ways arthritis affects you
-Carers, family and friends
-Future with arthritis
-COVID-19 FAQs
Tests & treatments
-Treatment options
-Blood tests
-X-rays
-Medicines
--DMARDs medicines
--Biological DMARDs medicines
--Pain relief
--Synthetic DMARDs
--Other
-Physical therapy
-Psychological therapy
-Surgery
Your healthcare team
-You (the leader)
-Rheumatologists
-General practitioners
-Allied health professionals
--Dietitians
--Exercise physiologist
--Occupational therapist
--Physiotherapists
--Podiatrist
--Psychologists
--Rheumatology nurse
-Pharmacists
-Surgeons
Living with arthritis
-Rest & sleep
-Joint care
-Devices that help
Managing pain
-Managing a flare up
-Dealing with pain
-Exercise
-Relaxation
-Distraction
-Heat or cold
-Acupuncture
Things you can do
-Living well with arthritis
-Diet
-Exercise
-Complementary treatments
Your feelings
-Tiredness
-Anxiety
-Stress
-Depression
-Emotions
Support services
-Information resources
-Support groups
-Organisations that help
-Financial help