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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Professionals
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Sticking With Your Arthritis Treatment Plan 

Taking your arthritis medications as prescribed can be tough, but it’s important for controlling your disease. 

Keeping track of all those pills, shots, tests and trips to the doctor for your rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or other inflammatory arthritis can be tough. Add worries about side effects and costs, and it’s easy to see why some people don’t start or stick to their medicine schedule.  

Not Taking Meds Is a Common Problem 

Doctors find that taking medicine as prescribed is a problem for people with inflammatory arthritis with both conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. Studies find that between 35% and 85% of people with RA don’t always take their medicines as prescribed. 

“With biologics one assumption has been that if you prescribe this powerful drug that’s very expensive and effective, that will make people more adherent [than with traditional DMARDs]. But this hasn’t been borne out by research,” says Ian Bruce, MD, professor of rheumatology at the University of Manchester and senior investigator with Versus Arthritis in the UK. 

Not taking medicines or taking them wrong can lead to disease flares and joint damage, says Maria Suarez-Almazor, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. “[Inflammatory forms of arthritis like] RA progress slowly, so it can be difficult for patients to realize they are damaging themselves when they stop medications,” she says. 

It can also cloud the picture for doctors, says Dr. Bruce. “When people aren’t doing as well as we think they should be, we assume it’s because the drug isn’t working; oftentimes it’s because the drug isn’t being taken properly.” 

Why Patients Don't Take Their Medications 

Reasons people give for not filling or taking medicine are mixed. But there are a few themes that rise to the top:  

The Cost is Too High: The cost can be one issue, says Elizabeth Salt, PhD, associate professor at the University of Kentucky School of Nursing and rheumatology nurse practitioner. “Many people have large copayments, hundreds of dollars a month, and though doctors' offices work with drug companies to get assistance, it can be a big burden.” 

Concern About Side Effects: Other reasons people give for not taking medicine are that they don’t think the medicine is needed or they are afraid of having a bad reaction to it. Doctors usually discuss side effects of arthritis medicines with patients, but sometimes they don’t ease their fears or address their real concerns. “People can be concerned about cancer with biologics, though large databases show they don’t increase cancer risk,” says Dr. Bruce. “Patients also worry about fertility or about effects on their appearance — hair loss and weight gain, for example — but they may not bring this up with the doctor.” 

The Drugs Aren't Effective Enough: Dr. Bruce says that when people understand inflammatory arthritis is a lifelong disease that needs lifelong treatment, they are more likely to take their medicine. And if they believe the drugs will control the disease, they will take their medicine. However, some patients feel that a drug is of little value because it hasn’t made them completely symptom-free. “Sometimes we can’t get 100% pain relief, but that doesn’t mean the drug isn’t helping control symptoms and preventing joint damage,” says Dr. Suarez-Almazor. 

They Think the Drugs Are No Longer Needed: Some people feel so much better, they don’t see a reason to keep taking the medicines. “Patients may be able to wean off medications or take lower doses, but that is a conversation they need to have with their physician. About half of people flare when they stop biologics,” says Dr. Suarez-Almazor. 

Talk to Your Health Care Providers  

Many problems with taking medicines can be helped by talking about them. Nurses in your doctor’s office can explain your disease and the medicines you’ve been asked to take. They may be able to help you get discounts on your costly drugs, and they can help find ways to remind you to take your medicines.

Working with your doctor to make decisions about your treatment will put you more in control. Talk about your worries with your doctor and be sure to go over the pros and cons of the medicines. Then together you can decide what’s best for you. Being part of the decision will help you stick with the decisions you made.

Dr. Suarez-Almazor agrees. “If you’re concerned a drug may not be useful or you’ve heard about a bad outcome in a friend or relative or on the Internet, bring it up with your physician,” she says. “Everything has a price … there’s always risk with the medications you take. But you might have more risks from not taking the medication, because your disease can also hurt you.” 

Above all, be open about your fears. “Nowadays we have many treatment options,” she says. “If patients don’t like the medication because they feel they are having adverse effects or they don’t have the quality of life they want, there are other medications.”

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Getting Kids On Board With Treatment

Treatment Plan

Getting Kids On Board With Treatment
Use these tips to help your child with JA stick with treatment.
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Making Sense of Your Insurance
Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips.
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    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

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Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Do it Yourself Fundraising
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

Get Started

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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