According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition, is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis (arthritis that affects five or more joints). An estimated 1.5 million adults in the United States are afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
RA is a systemic inflammatory disease which manifests itself in multiple joints of the body. The inflammatory process primarily affects the lining of the joints (synovial membrane), but can also affect other organs. The inflamed synovium leads to erosions of the cartilage and bone and sometimes joint deformity. Pain, swelling, and redness are common joint manifestations. Although the causes are unknown, RA is believed to be the result of a faulty immune response. RA can begin at any age and is associated with fatigue and prolonged stiffness after rest.
The CDC reports data that indicates in 1995-2007, 41 out of 100,000 people were diagnosed with RA each year. Incidence rose with age and peaked among people ages 65-74 years.
According to the CDC, the cause of RA is unknown. Many cases are believed to result from an interaction between genetic factors and environmental exposures.
To prevent and/or control joint damage, loss of function and have successful pain management, several approaches should be utilized including medication.
In the past, treatment started with corticosteroids/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients who do not respond well to NSAIDs may be moved to non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients who do not respond well to, or show little benefit from, NSAIDS or non-biologic DMARDs may eventually be moved to biologic DMARDs
Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sets a clear path to caring, compassionate RA therapy management and support.
We are able to provide RA patients, providers and partners with the necessary coordination of care vital to achieving successful treatment outcomes. By utilizing our expert patient care team comprised of Doctors of Pharmacy, registered pharmacists and nurses, reimbursement specialists and dedicated Patient Care Coordinators (PCCs), we are able to offer each and every patient and partner with high-quality, personalized care, ongoing patient evaluation and clinical support including frequent patient follow-up and continual education about their RA treatment.