Rheumatoid Arthritis

  Contributed by: Wisam Kandah, Pharm.D. Candidate

                        KU School of Pharmacy
Text Box: Next Page Text Box: Previous Page Text Box: Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. It has several special features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis, some of which are: · Tender, warm, swollen joints. · Symmetrical pattern of affected joints. · Joint inflammation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand. · Joint inflammation sometimes affecting other joints including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. · Fatigue, occasional fevers, a general sense of not feeling well. · Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after a long rest. · Symptoms that last for many years. · Variability of symptoms among people with the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages. The first stage is the swelling of the lining of the joints causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness, swelling around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells which causes the lining of joint to thicken. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment causing more pain and loss of movement. Text Box: Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur. RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is critical if you want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery. Treatment: Goals of treatment · Relieve pain · Reduce inflammation · Slow down or stop joint damage · Improve a person’s ability to function Current treatment approaches · Lifestyle · Medications o Tylenol® (Acetaminophen), Aspirin, Advil® (Ibuprofen), Aleve®(Naproxen). o Corticosteroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone. o Azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclosporine. · Surgery · Routine monitoring care Biologic response modifiers are new drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They can help reduce inflammation and Text Box: structural damage to the joints by blocking the action of cytokines, proteins of the body’s immune system that trigger inflammation during normal immune response. Some of these drugs are etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®) and adalimumab (Humira®). Another drug also used in treating rheumatoid arthritis is called anakinra (Kineret®). RA affects about 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown, although there are several theories. And while there is no cure, it is easier than ever to control RA through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques. While there is no good time to have rheumatoid arthritis, advancements in research and drug development mean that more people with RA are living happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. For additional information, visit www.rheumatoidarthritis.com

A Newly Emerging Therapy to Fight Obesity

  Contributed by: Audrey Smith, Pharm.D.

                        Community Pharmacy Resident
Text Box: The Obesity Epidemic From 1976 to 2004, the prevalence of obesity in the United States increased by 110% and the prevalence of individuals who were overweight increased by 40%. With this data, there is obvious reason for increased concern about the lifestyles of many Americans, particularly adult Americans, with nearly two-thirds of this population (ages 20 and older) being overweight or obese. But the concern Text Box: about health consequences and the increased focus on changing our lifestyles as a nation hasn’t stopped with adults, this concern has been transferred to children as well. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, with 16% of children and teens considered overweight or obese. And with these statistics emerging, recent medical research has focused more Text Box: intensely on improving the risk factors for obesity and developing new treatments to fight this chronic disease.

Continued on Next Page