Arthritis Blog with Carol & Richard Eustice October 2005 Archive

Rituxan (rituximab) has been granted "priority" review status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Priority review means that the FDA will make ... Read More

Should people with rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic diseases get a flu shot? What guidelines should be followed regarding flu shots for that population of patients? Is there ever ... Read More

According to AccuWeather, surveys have revealed that as many as 93% of arthritis sufferers believe that weather affects their pain level (68% believe that weather severely affects their pain level. ... Read More

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to 29 companies that manufacture, market, or distribute products made from cherries or other fruits. The companies were warned about making unproven ... Read More

Dependence has a negative connotation. A person with arthritis who has become more dependent suffers a loss of autonomy and loss of control over their life. Much can ... Read More

Osteoarthritis is one of more than 100 types of arthritis. How is it different from other types of arthritis? Who is at risk for developing osteoarthritis? How is it ... Read More

Proper management of arthritis depends on routine medications, treatments, and doctor visits. When a disaster occurs, as was the case with Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and now Hurricane Wilma, ... Read More

Camryn Manheim, Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her role on the television show "The Practice", will speak out about rheumatoid arthritis in a LIVE webcast on Friday, October ... Read More

The humanized anti-human IL-6 (interleukin-6) receptor monoclonal antibody, called MRA, Actemra, or tocilizumab, is being globally co-developed by Chugai and Roche. In Phase III studies, the drug has shown ... Read More

It's one of the most generous acts - donating blood. As we hear about the recent natural disasters, people are feeling good about giving. Are there restrictions which ... Read More

Time is still going fast as I approach my surgery date for revision hip replacement. It's about 33 or so days before surgery and I have several medical appointments scheduled, ... Read More

People who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are thrust into a life of adaptation and change. The disease is unpredictable and learning to live one day at a time ... Read More

October is National Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus is not easy to diagnose. It may take your doctor weeks or months to reach a definitive diagnosis. How much do you ... Read More

According to Mayo Clinic, "researchers are discovering new ways to treat arthritis" and are focused on several new areas. Biologic Response Modifiers being investigated include: Tacrolimus (Prograf) Rituximab (Rituxan) Actemra (Tocilizumab) Interleukin-6 blockers Orencia ... Read More

Liver toxicity is a potential side effect of some arthritis medications. Liver toxicity from arthritis medications is not considered common, but when it occurs it can be potentially serious. Doctors ... Read More

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two new indications for Humira, Abbott Laboratories' rheumatoid arthritis drug. The newly approved indications for Humira are: For first-line treatment ... Read More

This month, dozens of private insurers are vying to sign up 42 million older and disabled people who are eligible for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. It has ... Read More

Are laboratory tests routinely ordered to monitor the effectiveness of arthritis treatments? Are laboratory tests ordered which can detect side effects or problems which may be occurring while using a ... Read More

I have known I needed surgery since mid-July. I was anxious to know my surgery date and wish they could have told me that evening in the surgeon's ... Read More