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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting many different joints in the body. It causes inflammation of the joint lining, which can trigger pain, stiffness, and swelling and can lead to joint damage. Over time, the damage RA causes to joints typically results in pain and loss of movement.
* The immune system protects the body by responding to "invaders" like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign matter that enter your body by producing antibodies and putting them into action to fight off the "invaders". In rheumatoid arthritis, TNF can cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues in your body and cause inflammation and damage.
* Advanced RA treatments available today, like Remicade, include TNF antagonists or "blockers."
* Remicade targets, binds to, and blocks TNF-alpha, which helps to control the inflammation process.
* Remicade works quickly. Many patients begin to experience relief in as soon as two weeks. It is given by a two-hour IV infusion and is used in combination with methotrexate in patients with moderate to severe RA.
The treatment Remicade represents an evolution in the treatment of RA. Rheumatologists now believe that treating earlier in the course of the disease with the most advanced treatments available can help stop RA from progressing by helping to stop further joint damage. Even if you've had RA for many years, it's still very important to start an advanced treatment as soon as possible.
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