DMARDs, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, may take 6-12 weeks to show effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis, according to Dr. Eric M. Ruderman, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine Rheumatology. DMARDs, which were once a secondary treatment option, are now prescribed at the onset of diagnosis due to their abilities to block inflammation and slow the disease’s progression, potentially leading to remission in the long term. They may also prevent future joint damage. However, as they don’t cure the disease, patients typically continue taking the medication long term.
The True Cost of Focusing on Cost Instead of Cost-Effectiveness
When payors consider only the cost of the medication and not the cost and risk to the patient, doctor, and healthcare system, the irony is
