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FDA Strengthens Warnings for Xeljanz, Olumiant and Rinvoq
By Jill Tyrer | Sept. 3, 2021 The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about the use of tofacitinib (Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR) as well as baricitinib (Olumiant) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq). All three belong to a medication class called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and are used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. A large, randomized safety clinical trial compared the use of tofacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a different type of drug, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Results showed a higher risk of heart-related problems, including heart attack, stroke, as well as cancer, blood clots and death with ...more
From Patient to Patient Leader: Every Voice Counts
We are spotlighting two people this month who are sharing their experiences as members of the Arthritis Foundation’s Patient Leadership Council (PLC). Learn how to apply to join the PLC at the end of this post. By Sarah Cloud | Sept. 1, 2021 An arthritis diagnosis can be one of surprise and acceptance or one of absolute fear. It all depends on what words precede the word “arthritis” and how your health care provider may explain and support your diagnosis. As someone who was diagnosed at the age of 19 with osteoarthritis and then as a mom who heard the phrase, “I think ...more
Tonya Horton
Tonya Horton is a Chronic Strength Champion, which means she doesn’t just take control of her pain — she battles back. Read to learn how Tonya has found ways to overcome her osteoarthritis. I’ll never forget the surprised look on my new doctor’s face when she entered the examination room four years ago. “I wasn’t expecting to see you,” she said. “Your X-rays show the knees of a 70-year-old woman.” Yes, my osteoarthritis diagnosis was a surprise. But it shouldn’t have been. Osteoarthritis (OA) disproportionately impacts women — especially women of color. It isn’t uncommon for a Black woman like me to ...more
How to Find Trusted Arthritis Info
By Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Editor, VP Medical Affairs, Everyday Health Group Hello everyone! My name is Dr. Arefa Cassoobhoy, and I’m honored to be the guest expert on Episode 41: “Finding Trusted Arthritis Info” of the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast. I’m an internal medicine doctor and the chief medical editor at Everyday Health, a digital health information site. My No. 1 priority in this role is for people like you to be well-informed as you make decisions and take action along your health journey each and every day. The key in providing quality health information is to create ...more
August 2021 Arthritis News Roundup
The Arthritis Foundation is your trusted source for arthritis-related news and COVID updates that affect people with arthritis. Here’s a wrap-up of the headlines from this past month. The Latest in COVID-19 News and Arthritis FDA Gives Full Approval for Pfizer COVID Vaccine The FDA approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on August 23, the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus to receive full approval. The vaccine is still under emergency use authorization (EUA) for adolescents ages 12 to 15. It will be marketed as Comirnaty and is authorized for use in individuals ages 16 and older to prevent COVID-19. FDA and CDC Advisory Committee Recommend Third Doses of mRNA ...more
Sachi Arya
Sachi Arya is a Chronic Strength Champion, which means he doesn’t just take control of his pain — he battles back. Read to learn how Sachi has found ways to overcome his osteoarthritis. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the doctor say it. “You have osteoarthritis.” At the time, I was 43. Sure, I didn’t exercise regularly and didn’t think much about joint health, but I thought I was too young to be diagnosed with arthritis. Even though I had severe knee pain and could barely climb the stairs, I was sure it had to be something other than ...more
The 2021 Virtual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Was a Wonderful Success
A big THANK YOU to all JA families, planning committee members and sponsors for making the 2021 Virtual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference a huge success! This year, we welcomed more than 850 total attendees — including 373 first-time participants — from 42 states and three different countries. The JA Conference offered 71 virtual sessions and gave attendees the opportunity to connect and network with other moms, dads, families, siblings, caregivers and, of course, young adults, teens and kids with JA who share similar challenges and triumphs. Even in these trying times, we showed the world that together we are stronger than ...more
Actemra Infusions in Short Supply
A shortage of tocilizumab (Actemra) due to increased demand to treat COVID-19 cases may affect people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other diseases who use the medication. The current shortage is for intravenous (IV) formulations, which are used to treat COVID-19 under an Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, according to drug maker Genentech. In the U.S., IV supplies of 200mg and 400mg SKU are out of stock as of Aug. 16, and 80mg SKU is expected to be out of stock by the end of the week, according to an Aug. 16 alert ...more