Pharmaceutical care models, tools for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be defined as a chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory condition characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis. Typically, patients present with pain, stiffness and warmth of the affected joints. The condition can result in extra-articular features, adding to disability, and may eventually lead to premature death, especially if not treated early and appropriately.1,2 Over the past 20 years, the drugs available for treating RA have increased drastically, leading to revised pharmacotherapy strategies. As Bijlsma points out in an article published in 2010, the main changes in RA management were due to new drugs, namely biologics. In turn, these drugs led to improved treatment strategies and a joint European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)–American College of Rheumatology (ACR) work group, which devised the “treat to target” concept.3-5 The biologic era led to the availability of biosimilars, which are affecting the pharmacoeconomic aspect of the financial expenses of many national health services.