Delaware Rheumatoid Arthritis
Infusion Center of DE

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can control disease activity and reduce the risk of progressive joint damage. Early use of appropriate disease-modifying treatment is important. Some patients may achieve remission or very low disease activity, although continued monitoring is generally needed because RA is a chronic autoimmune condition.

No. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are treated successfully with conventional DMARDs, oral targeted medications, or self-injected biologic therapies. IV infusion is one treatment route for certain medications. A rheumatologist determines whether an infused medication is appropriate based on disease activity, previous treatments, medical history, safety considerations, and patient-specific factors.

Infusion time varies according to the medication being administered and its required protocol. Some medications take longer to administer than others, and additional observation may occasionally be necessary. Patients should ask their infusion team how much time to allow for their particular medication before the appointment.

The schedule depends on the prescribed medication. Some infusion therapies have initial loading doses followed by treatments at defined intervals, while others use different maintenance schedules. Your rheumatologist and infusion team will explain the schedule associated with your prescribed medication.

Testing depends on the medication and the patient’s medical history. Before certain biologic therapies, clinicians may order tuberculosis screening, hepatitis testing, blood counts, liver tests, or other laboratory studies. These evaluations help identify potential safety concerns before immune-modifying treatment begins.

An active infection can affect whether certain immune-modifying treatments should be administered. Patients who develop fever, new infection symptoms, or are taking antibiotics should contact their healthcare team before arriving for an infusion. The prescribing clinician or infusion team can determine whether treatment should proceed or be rescheduled.

Persistent uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis can cause progressive joint damage, reduced mobility, disability, and complications outside the joints. Because structural damage can become permanent, early diagnosis and effective disease-modifying treatment are important. The course of RA differs between patients, so regular rheumatology follow-up helps determine whether inflammation is adequately controlled.

Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease and can sometimes affect tissues outside the joints. Possible extra-articular complications may involve the lungs, eyes, skin, blood vessels, heart, or other systems. The risk varies by patient and disease severity, which is another reason ongoing medical monitoring is important.

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from appropriate physical activity. Low-impact aerobic exercise, strengthening, flexibility work, and physical therapy may help preserve mobility and function. Exercise should be adjusted during significant flares or when joints are severely painful or swollen. A healthcare professional can help determine an appropriate activity plan.

Biologic medications modify specific immune pathways and can increase susceptibility to certain infections. The degree and type of risk depend on the medication and individual patient factors. Appropriate infection screening, vaccination planning, laboratory monitoring, and communication with the healthcare team help clinicians manage these risks.

Consider a rheumatology evaluation if you have persistent joint swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, pain involving multiple joints, symmetrical joint symptoms, or unexplained inflammatory symptoms that continue or worsen. Early assessment is particularly important when symptoms suggest inflammatory arthritis because timely disease-modifying treatment may help prevent permanent joint damage.

Yes. RA treatment is commonly adjusted according to disease activity, medication effectiveness, side effects, laboratory results, new health conditions, and treatment goals. A medication that works well initially may require modification later, which is why ongoing rheumatology monitoring remains important even when symptoms improve.