Challenges in Managing and Preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic, progressive, inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects not only the joints but also other organs, including the eyes, heart, and lungs. It is characterized by painful, tender, and swollen joints that can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and productivity due to pain, stiffness, and sleep disturbances. Pain is often reported as the most debilitating symptom associated with RA. Pharmacologic therapies used in the treatment and management of RA include nonbiologic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and adjunctive agents such as immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other analgesics. Pharmacists can educate patients and make clinical recommendations when warranted to improve clinical outcomes.