What advances have been made in RA treatment? How does B-cell therapy work? What is the "right" treatment for me? How can I make the most of my rheumatology appointments? Why should I track my symptoms? Should I exercise with RA? How can diet affect RA? Are there other ways besides treatment to manage your pain and stress? How can I help others better understand RA? Q: What advances have been made in RA treatment? A: Today, many rheumatologists have been using a combination of treatments to account for the different ways that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect you. One particular treatment that has shown great promise is called targeted B-cell therapy. Learn More Back to FAQ list Q: How does B-cell therapy work? A: Though much of what causes RA still remains a mystery, what we know is that RA occurs when the immune system attacks the body's joints. According to recent research, B-cells—a type of white blood cell found in the immune system—are believed to play an important role in causing this attack. The goal of targeted B-cell therapy is to target B-cells and selectively reduce them in the body. This can limit the immune system's attack on the body's joints, and ultimately, the pain and symptoms of RA. Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: What is the "right" treatment for me? A: There may not be one "best" treatment for all people with RA, but depending on how RA affects you, the "right" treatment is the treatment that best meets your needs. It's the treatment that helps you focus more on your life and less on RA. To help define your needs and find a treatment that meets them, review the list of questions below and discuss the answers with your rheumatologist. Have I evaluated all of the potential benefits and risks of my treatment? Am I still seeing the improvement from when I first started my treatment? Is it enough? Have my symptoms changed? Does my treatment account for those changes? Has RA affected my activity level or daily routine? Is my treatment helping me stay active? Am I struggling with things I didn't used to? How else is RA impacting my life? Am I satisfied with my current treatment method (eg, injection, infusion) and frequency (eg, weekly, monthly)? Is there a treatment that's more convenient for me? Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: How can I make the most of my rheumatology appointments? A: Be proactive. Tell your rheumatologist everything that relates to how you've been feeling and how that's been impacting your life. Come prepared to your appointments with a prioritized list of talking points, and take notes. The more open you are and the more you discuss, the more informed your treatment decisions will be. Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: Why should I track my symptoms? A: Keeping a journal of your RA can help you treat it in 3 ways: It can help you recall how you've been feeling and how that's impacted your life since your last appointment. It can help give your rheumatologist a more detailed and accurate description of your symptoms and response to treatment. It can help evaluate how well your current treatment is working. Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: Should I exercise with RA? A: Though it's no substitute for treatment, regular exercise can benefit how you live with RA. The key is to start slowly, progress at a comfortable pace, and keep a journal to track how you're doing. Once you develop a routine, the results should be well worth your effort. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: How can diet affect RA? A: You may have heard claims that the right diet can provide relief from RA. Unfortunately, studies show that diet alone is not the answer. But diet is still important to your health, and it can impact the way you live with RA. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in saturated fats and calories, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, and remember that diet is no substitute for treatment. Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: Are there other ways besides treatment to manage your pain and stress? A: Though there's no substitute for finding the right treatment, there are some other ways to manage your pain and stress. These include: Getting a better night's sleep Fall-proofing your home Finding a physical therapy that works for you Balancing your day with periods of rest Maintaining intimacy with your partner Applying hot or cold to reduce inflammation Practicing relaxation techniques Wearing shoes that fit Having a back-up plan for work and social obligations Learn More Back to FAQ List Q: How can I help others better understand RA? A: The key is to be as open as possible. Tell your family and friends how you feel and what your needs are, and ask them to do the same. We all like to feel independent, like we don't have to rely on others, but everyone needs help from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for some, and return the favor when you're feeling better. For a guide that you can hand out to family and friends to help them better understand RA, click here. Back to FAQ List To view the guide to helping others better understand RA, you need Adobe® Reader®. If you don't have it, you can download it for FREE by clicking here.

RISE is brought to you by the makers of Rituxan^® (rituximab).

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Rituxan^® (rituximab), in combination with methotrexate, is indicated to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies.

Rituxan can cause the following serious side effects, some of which could be life threatening: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious side effects with Rituxan include hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during Rituxan infusions include fever, headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, and throat irritation or tightness. If you experience any symptoms or side effects during or after Rituxan treatment, seek immediate medical attention.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.