Caring for a Loved One with Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
If you are providing care to someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know it takes a tough individual to manage symptoms and adjust to the physical limitations that RA can cause. But caring for a person with RA can take a toll on you, too. It’s important for you to find ways to cope during difficult times so you can give your loved one the best care possible.
Below are some tips that can help you be a better caregiver and, at the same time, maintain your own quality of life.
Learn all you can
The more you know about rheumatoid arthritis, the better equipped you’ll be to provide the care and understanding necessary to help someone manage this tough disease. You can learn more about RA by asking the treating physician any questions you may have. You can also find information at RheumatoidArthritis.com.
Support, don’t smother
When you are caring for a person with RA, knowing when not to help is important. However, knowing when not to help can be even more important. Sometimes it helps your loved one to simply know you’re there when he or she needs you.
Pay attention to your loved one
Because RA can progress slowly, people with the disease may be unaware of the changes in their condition over time. If you notice any changes in your loved one’s symptoms and/or behavior, encourage him or her to open up to you about how they’re really feeling and then to make an appointment with the rheumatologist.
Ask for help when you need it
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That includes physical as well as emotional assistance. Reach out to other family members or friends if daily chores or errands are becoming a problem. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed or simply want to talk, it may help to join a support group or speak to a professional therapist.
Additional resources for caregivers
ACTiV Patient Support Program. Genentech has developed this support program exclusively for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Use the resources on ACTiV with your loved one to help them get the support they need as they manage this tough disease.
This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about either your medical condition or your treatment with ACTEMRA. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your treatment with ACTEMRA.
What is ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor Inhibitor. ACTEMRA is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) antagonist has been used and did not work well
IMPORTANT SIDE EFFECT INFORMATION
Some people have serious infections while taking ACTEMRA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections.
Other serious side effects of ACTEMRA include tears (perforation) of the stomach and intestines, changes in blood test results (including low neutrophil count, low platelet count, increase in certain liver function tests and increase in blood cholesterol levels), hepatitis B infection becoming an active infection again and nervous system problems.
ACTEMRA affects the immune system and may increase your risk of certain cancers.
Serious allergic reactions, including death, can happen with ACTEMRA. These reactions may happen with any infusion of ACTEMRA, even if they did not occur with an earlier infusion. Patients must tell their doctor if they have had a previous reaction to ACTEMRA. Patients should not take ACTEMRA if they are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
Common side effects with ACTEMRA in patients with RA include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache and increased blood pressure (hypertension).
Patients must tell their healthcare provider if they plan to become pregnant or are
pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm an unborn baby. Genentech has a registry
for pregnant women who take ACTEMRA. Patients who are pregnant or become pregnant while
taking ACTEMRA must contact the registry at 1-877- 311-8972 or
register online
at https://www.otispregnancy.org/
forms/otis_survey-f161
and talk to their healthcare provider.
Patients must call their healthcare provider for medical advice about any side effects. Patients or caregivers may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Patients or caregivers may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, for additional important safety information.
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