How to Handle Latex Allergies and Biologics
What to do when a patient has a latex allergy and you prescribe an injectable biologic (many having latex allergy as a contraintication)?
Blogs
TIPS for Arthritis Travelers (Best of 2015: #3)
Travel can be challenging for arthritis patients. Here are some useful tips to travel smoothly and pain free.
5 Things To Know About Antimalarials for Lupus (Best of 2015: #5)
Here are five things every rheumatologist should know about antimalarial medications for lupus.
11 Pearls for Pregnancy Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Best of 2015: #6)
Rheumatoid arthritis affects women in their child-bearing years and many will face the issue of pregnancy and RA management at some point. Here are11 considerations for those managing RA patients who wish to become pregnant.
5 Things To Know About Antimalarials for Lupus
Here are five things every rheumatologist should know about antimalarial medications for lupus.
The Born Again Rheumatoid
While there are currently 9 biologic agents approved and marketed for the treatment of RA, and although each has a valued place in our arsenal, I would propose none has been as influential or dramatic as TNF inhibitors. The “born again” rheumatoid feeling is not well captured by any of the usual metrics or measures. It’s not found in the HAQ, DAS28, SF36 (either mental or physical), fatigue score, or any lab parameter. I believe it’s best described by my patient RH who wrote me a letter soon after starting etanercept.
Tried-and-True or Something New?
While decades of drug development have improved treatment options, some of our older drugs are harder to improve upon. The same can be said for old movies and new movies, or classic literature and current best sellers. Which do you prefer or rely on?
Should Lupus Patients Receive Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines?
I have a 21 yr. old lupus nephritis patient on mycophenolate, hydroxychloroquine and prednisone 40 mg per day. She says both her current nephrologist and her prior pediatric rheumatologist told her NOT to get pneumococcal and flu vaccines. I thought she is supposed to get them - any comment?
Drug Safety Risk Communication: The 800 lb Gorilla Approach
Discussions on drug safety can be as treacherous as quicksand for the patient and physician. What the physician knows and what the patient perceives may not be in sync.
Hydrocodone: Then and Now
Today marks the one year anniversary of hydrocodone becoming a schedule II drug with more restrictive access. Has life been better under these new rules?
Severe RA and Coccidioidomycosis
RA patient complicated by invasive fungal infection with coccidioidomycosis is discussed by Drs. Tesser and Cush
Off-Label Use – A Free Speech, Scientific and Safety Issue
Is off-label drug use an example of "free speech"? Do off-label use guidelines affect every day practice or the way Pharma promotes its product outside of the indications for which it was approved?