Rheumatoid Arthritis
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Genetic (Inherited) Factors Scientists have found that certain genes that play a role in the immune system are associated with a tendency to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis. At the same time, some people with Rheumatoid Arthritis do not have these particular genes, and other people have these genes but never develop the disease. This suggests that a person’s genetic makeup is an important part of the story but not the whole answer. It is clear, however, that more than one gene is involved in determining whether a person develops Rheumatoid Arthritis and, if so, how severe the disease will become. Many scientists think that something must occur to trigger the disease process in people whose genetic makeup makes them susceptible to Rheumatoid Arthritis. An infectious agent such as a virus or bacterium appears likely, but the exact agent is not yet known. Note, however, that Rheumatoid Arthritis is not contagious: A person cannot “catch” it from someone else. Some scientists also think that a variety of hormonal factors may be involved. These hormones, or possibly deficiencies or changes in certain hormones, may promote the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a genetically susceptible person who has been exposed to a triggering agent from the environment. Even though all the answers aren’t known, one thing is certain: Rheumatoid Arthritis develops as a result of an interaction of many factors. Much research is going on now to understand these factors and how they work together. Source: National Institutes of Health
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is also. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. In addition, people with the disease may have fatigue, occasional fever and a general sense of not feeling well (malaise).
Although Rheumatoid Arthritis can have serious effects on a person’s life and well-being, current treatment strategies–including pain relief and other medications, a balance between rest and exercise, and patient education and support programs – allow most people with the disease to lead active and productive lives. In recent years, research has led to a new understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis and has increased the likelihood that, in time, researchers can find ways to greatly reduce the impact of this disease.
Common symptoms:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints.
- Symmetrical pattern. For example, if one knee is affected, the other one is also.
- Joint inflammation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand; other affected joints can include those of the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
- Fatigue, occasional fever, a general sense of not feeling well (malaise). Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after a long rest.
- Symptoms that can last for many years.
- Symptoms in other parts of the body besides the joints.
- Variability of symptoms among people with the disease.
Source: National Institues of Health
What to expect from Burman’s: An experienced team to help manage your patients’ RA. When you order your patients’ RA medications through Burmans Specialty Pharmacy, you and your patients will receive fast delivery, expert support, and much more, including:
- 24/7/365 patient support
- Free delivery & supplies
- Nursing support as needed
If you have questions about your patient’s medications, we can help. Call anytime – day or night – to talk to a registered nurse or pharmacist at 1-800-604-6068
We incorporate the following into our RA treatment program:
Our RA Treatment Program includes:
Assessment – After you place your patient’s first order, a patient care coordinator (PCC) will contact them to verify key information – such as age, weight, dose, any allergies, and shipping address. The PCC will assess the patient’s healthcare and support needs. We will determine if the patient needs more help understanding their condition or medication.
Clinical help – If you or your patients have any questions, our pharmacists are always available to assist. Patients who require nursing support they will be assigned nurse who specializes in RA. The pharmacy care manager is a registered pharmacist who will contact their assigned patient regularly to check on them.
Education – We will send your patients a welcome packet to explain our services. Depending on each patient’s need, a nurse or pharmacist who specializes in RA will provide additional education. Each new patient receives a welcome and all ancillary supplies to initiate the start of therapy.
RA care plan – We monitor each patient’s medication usage. We make sure they always have the right medication and dose for their needs. If your patient wants additional support, we will contact them as often as they need us.
If your patient meets medical approval for home health care, we can arrange for a home health care nurse to administer their therapy in the comfort of their home. And we’ll keep in contact with you so you know how your patient is doing between office visits.
Extra service at refill time – We will call your patient one week before their refills are due to schedule their next delivery. We inquire on patient’s inventory levels. We will ask your patient to confirm:
- How they are doing with their therapy.
- If they are still taking the same specialty drug.
- If they are still taking the same dose.
- If they are having any side effects.
- If they need additional supplies.
- Where they would like their next refill delivered.
If your patient needs help, we’ll put them in touch with a pharmacist. We may also reach out to you to talk about your patient’s medication or dose.
Open lines of communication – Our clinical team works closely with you and your patients. A pharmacy care manager will call each patient as often as they need. If your patient expresses any concerns about their medication or dose, we will contact you to discuss.
Product integrity – We take care of your patients’ medications. Our pharmacists will double check each order to make sure it’s right before it goes out the door. Our special packaging keeps your medications at the right temperature.
Dependable Delivery – We can send your patients’ medications by UPS or our dedicated delivery personnel – anywhere. That includes the patient’s home, your office, infusion center, or any other location. We track each shipment through our UPS tracking system. This ensures your patients receive safe, quick delivery of their medication.
Improvement plans – We constantly evaluate the success of our RA program through patient and physician satisfaction surveys.
How to order: Follow these three easy steps to start your patients on service with Burman’s Specialty Pharmacy. We’ll take care of everything else.
- Complete a Burman’s Specialty Pharmacy Medication Request Form for each patient.
- Indicate delivery arrangements on the form.
- Fax your referral to Burman’s Specialty Pharmacy at 1-800-599-5560