Living with RA can take a toll on work productivity, but the condition may begin interfering with your job even before you’re diagnosed.
Large Study Finds Fully Vaccinated Immunocompromised People at Higher Risk for Poor COVID-19 Outcomes
The findings underscore the need for preventive measures and chronic disease management in immunosuppressed adults — even after COVID vaccination.
Should You Wear Only N95 Masks If You’re Immunocompromised or High-Risk for COVID-19?
As the CDC updates its mask guidance, patients are left with a few important facts and questions to consider about mask wearing.
If you’re immunocompromised, you may be eligible for a fourth booster dose five months after your third dose. Here’s what to know.
Fall 2021 Update: 7 Things We Now Know About COVID-19 Vaccines in Rheumatic Disease Patients
Read the latest about emerging data on vaccine effectiveness and how it is affected by various immunosuppressive medications, the risk of flares, and more, based on the latest research presented at the ACR Convergence 2021, the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
How to Time the Flu Shot, COVID-19 Vaccine, and Immunosuppressive Medications If You’re Immunocompromised
With new vaccine doses in the picture, timing your shots with your regular medications can get confusing. Here’s what experts recommend to stay safe and protected.
As the CDC updates its mask guidance, patients are left with a few important facts and questions to consider about mask wearing.
Omicron and the Immunocompromised: A Guide for Those at High Risk for COVID-19
The Omicron variant may be milder, but people at high risk for COVID-19 should remain cautious and concerned. Here’s what to know about protecting yourself during this stage of the pandemic.
What to Know About Evusheld, the New Monoclonal Antibody Drug to Prevent COVID-19 in the Immunocompromised
Experts are hopeful that this preventive medication, taken before any exposure to COVID-19, will provide an extra layer of protection to those who may not mount a full immune response to the vaccine.
Experts believe the research into this topic will lead to a better understanding of autoimmunity.
Keeping Your Arthritis Disease Activity Low Might Reduce Your Chances of Dying from COVID-19, Study Shows
The key takeaway of this study is really that rheumatic patients with lower disease activity seem to fare better than those in high disease activity if they contract COVID-19.
‘Long-Hauler’ Symptoms Are Common After COVID-19 — and May Resemble Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Researchers are finding more evidence that many recovering coronavirus patients go on to experience symptoms that last for months and may need additional long-term treatments.
Experts hope these findings can help physicians and patients communicate better when making decisions to stop medication for inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
Actemra Shortage: What to Do If You Have Issues Accessing This Biologic Because of COVID-19
Tocilizumab (Actemra), which is used to treat rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, is in short supply due to its emergency use authorization (EUA) as a COVID-19 treatment. Here’s what to know about the issue and what to do if you have trouble getting treatment.
New Research Shows That Rituximab and JAK inhibitors Are Linked with Worse COVID-19 Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
On the other hand, study authors did not find an association between using other biologics — such as TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and abatacept — and worse COVID-19 outcomes.
A new study found that many patients who tapered their meds wound up flaring.
Suspect Rheumatoid Arthritis? Seeing a Rheumatologist Within 6 Weeks Is Key
Time is of the essence when RA symptoms strike.
EULAR 2020: 50+ Updates That Could Change the Way You Treat Your Arthritis
Held virtually, the 2020 medical meeting from the European League Against Rheumatism shared important medical breakthroughs and updates about managing rheumatic conditions.
News about the Omicron variant and rising cases may trigger feelings of grief, helplessness, and anxiety. But there are actionable steps you can take to reduce stress and better manage the uncertainty of this phase of the pandemic.
Many People Are ‘Languishing’ Right Now — So How Do You Move on From It?
Clinical psychologist Laurie Ferguson, PhD, Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides tips to help you move on from the “meh” you’ve been feeling lately during the pandemic and find the joy in life again.
Think About Returning to ‘Normal’ as an Opportunity to Reprioritize Your Happiness
As people rush to return to “normal” Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, shares her advice for rethinking your priorities in a post-pandemic world.
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, 80 percent of immunocompromised patients said they are moderately to very worried about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 — and it’s affecting their everyday behaviors and habits.
Many Immunocompromised People Are Still Struggling with Socializing During the Pandemic
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of respondents are not satisfied with their ability to socialize with others.
For Many Immunocompromised People, COVID-19 Safety Measures Are Still Essential For 2021 Holiday Season
In the Global Healthy Living Foundation’s latest COVID-19 Patient Support Program poll, the majority of patients said their holiday plans include COVID-19 safety measures, such as proof of vaccination, outdoor gatherings, masks, and more.
The findings underscore the need for preventive measures and chronic disease management in immunosuppressed adults — even after COVID vaccination.
Should You Wear Only N95 Masks If You’re Immunocompromised or High-Risk for COVID-19?
As the CDC updates its mask guidance, patients are left with a few important facts and questions to consider about mask wearing.
Getting a 4th ‘Booster’ Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients
If you’re immunocompromised, you may be eligible for a fourth booster dose five months after your third dose. Here’s what to know.
A new study from ArthritisPower shows that patients are very engaged when it comes to using a smartwatch along with short surveys to better understand rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
What Prompts Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients to Change Their Treatment? New Research Examines This Complicated Condition
Many axial spondyloarthritis patients are talking with their providers about their treatment plan — and wanting to prevent long-term damage is a major factor in how they think about it.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in High Disease Activity Don’t Change Their Treatment Regimen Very Often
Only about one-third of RA patients in high disease activity were offered a treatment change at their rheumatologist visit, according to a recent study in the ArthritisPower research registry.
A new study suggests that NSAIDs, a common osteoarthritis pain treatment, could be making symptoms worse. But more research is needed.
Xeljanz Study Raises Some Concerns About Heart and Cancer Risks: What Patients Need to Know
The medication, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, already had a boxed warning for blood clots, infection, and certain cancers. Now more research is needed to understand potential additional risks.
FDA Approves Voclosporin (Lupkynis), First Oral Treatment for Lupus-Related Kidney Disease
The medication helped improve kidney function in people with lupus nephritis significantly compared with those taking a placebo.
A new study examined the effectiveness of digital exercise programs, which may be especially beneficial for osteoarthritis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Boost Bone Density, Doing More High-Intensity Exercise in the Teenage Years Seems Key
More time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity in adolescence was associated with greater hip bone mineral density at age 25 years, a new study found.
Lupus Patients Who Don’t Exercise Are 3 Times More Likely to Become Depressed
Depression is common with lupus, but engaging in even just a little physical activity may significantly reduce your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis patient Eileen Davidson has had her share of doctor visits virtually and in person. Here’s her take on the good and bad of telehealth — and why it’s transformed her care.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: 7 Things You Should Tell Your Rheumatologist
Communication is the key to getting your RA pain under good control. Here’s what you need to discuss with your doctor if you’re experiencing an increase in RA pain.
How to Discuss Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain During a Telehealth Visit
Pain isn’t as easy to manage when providers can’t see and touch your joints in person, but you can effectively discuss and treat RA pain during virtual visits. Here’s how.
