Question: How Do You Weigh the Benefits and Risks of Arthritis Treatment?
Before starting a new arthritis treatment, you are advised to weigh the benefits and risks. What is the best way to go about doing that?
Answer: Arthritis medications and treatments are intended to improve arthritis symptoms, relieve pain, or slow the progression of the disease. That's the goal and potential benefit associated with their use. But there are possible negative consequences of treatment, too. Both must be considered. That's essentially what it means to weigh the benefits and the risks.
To weigh benefits and risks, you and your doctor need to discuss common side effects and possible serious adverse reactions. Certain details should be considered, including:
- severity of arthritis
- present quality of life
- other medical conditions/allergies
- projected ability to tolerate the treatment
- ways to minimize potential side effects
- risk of going without treatment
When all is considered, the potential benefits should outweigh the possible risks if you're to go forward with treatment.
Source:
Benefits Versus Risks. Adverse Drug Reactions. Merck Manual Home Edition. August 2007.
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec02/ch015/ch015d.html
