Take a Load Off Newer Arthritis Meds Proven to Kick Joint Pain to the Curb!

Research Validates Effectiveness of Newer Medications for Arthritis Treatment

Newer Arthritis Meds Prove Their Mettle in “Real World”: Study

Do you ever doubt whether newer arthritis medications are as effective outside of clinical trials? Well, doubt no more! According to a new study, these medications are indeed game-changers, even in the unpredictable “real world” of patients.

Picture this: A grand study involving 622 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) discovered that most of them experienced significant relief on a group of drugs called JAK inhibitors. These oral medications, unlike their injection or infusion counterparts, are truly oral superheroes when it comes to combatting the arthritic condition.

So, what exactly are these JAK inhibitors? Well, there are three FDA-approved ones in the United States: tofacitinib (Xeljanz), baricitinib (Olumiant), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq). They are like the Avengers, swooping in to save the day for people with RA who don’t respond well to older RA medications. Talk about a formidable team!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Do these JAK inhibitors work as well outside of clinical trials? Can they tame even the most stubborn cases of RA? Well, fear not, my friend. The new findings published in the esteemed journal Rheumatology confirm that these medications are up to the task.

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Researchers in Japan unleashed their powers of investigation and found that patients taking any of the four JAK inhibitors approved in the country experienced substantial benefits. Talk about leveling up!

In fact, one-third of the patients achieved RA remission within just six months of treatment, and a whopping 80% achieved the coveted status of “low disease activity.” That’s like transforming from a chaotic battleground of pain and discomfort to a serene sanctuary of controlled symptoms. Incredible!

But hey, let’s not forget the wise words of Dr. Stanley Cohen, a prominent rheumatologist from Rheumatology Associates in Dallas. He assures us that this study unequivocally confirms the efficacy of JAK inhibitors. No doubt about it, folks!

Dr. Cohen also enlightens us about an intriguing revelation: not only are these JAK inhibitors equally potent, but there haven’t been any head-to-head trials to compare their powers. However, individual studies of each medication suggest that they are all superheroes in their own right. Now that’s a league of extraordinary medications!

You might be wondering, what exactly causes RA? Well, brace yourself for this superhero origin story. RA occurs when the body’s immune system villainously attacks its own joint tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It’s like an internal warzone! And if left unchecked, that inflammation can wreak havoc on other innocent parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, skin, and eyes. Talk about collateral damage!

Fortunately, numerous RA medications exist to slow down the progression of joint damage by focusing on different aspects of the immune response. And guess what? JAK inhibitors are part of that heroic lineup.

But before you don your superhero cape and run to your doctor, keep in mind that JAK inhibitors are not the first line of defense for RA. They’re like the Avengers’ secret weapon, called upon when other medications fail to save the day.

Here’s an interesting twist: a 2021 trial raised safety concerns about JAK inhibitors for older patients. Talk about throwing a wrench in our superhero narrative! The trial involved RA patients aged 50 and up, with at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke. It revealed that those given the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib had a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even certain cancers compared to patients on a different medication called a TNF blocker. Needless to say, the FDA sprung into action, adding cautionary warnings to JAK inhibitors and advising doctors to prescribe them only after patients have tried a TNF inhibitor.

But wait, the story doesn’t end there. Our trusty researchers in Japan analyzed medical records from 622 RA patients, and guess what they discovered? Approximately 90% of patients were still taking their JAK inhibitor medication six months after starting it. And most of them experienced remarkable symptom relief, with some even achieving remission. It’s like experiencing a full-body transformation, where pain and stiffness subside, and joints regain their youthful vigor.

Of course, the researchers do caution us to temper our excitement. Six months of follow-up is just a brief snapshot, and we’re still uncertain about the long-term effectiveness of JAK inhibitors. But fear not, my fellow readers, this is just one piece of the puzzle.

When considering treatment options, we must keep safety in mind as well. JAK inhibitors do come with their own set of risks, albeit “quite low” according to Dr. Cohen. One notable risk is an increased susceptibility to shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus lurking in our bodies. But don’t fret! A shingles vaccination can counter that risk and keep potential fires at bay.

It’s important to note that the study received no financial backing from external sources. However, some of the researchers involved have received funding from companies that produce JAK inhibitors. Just a little disclosure for you, dear readers.

So, there you have it! JAK inhibitors, these newer arthritis medications, have proven themselves in the thick of the “real world.” They’ve shown they can be superheroes, fighting against the relentless forces of RA. But remember, every superhero has their limits and risks, so make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to see if JAK inhibitors are the right choice for you.

For more information on rheumatoid arthritis and the superpowers of JAK inhibitors, feel free to check out our slideshow: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

Sources: – Rheumatology, “Newer oral RA drugs show effectiveness in the real world,” (1 Nov. 2023). Read More