Learn how to perform injections, about medication safety, pregnancy and arthritis, therapies, and how to live the best life possible with arthritis.

Learn how to perform injections, about medication safety, pregnancy and arthritis, therapies, and how to live the best life possible with arthritis.

Exercise

• Exercise and Arthritis

• Exercising during a flare

Lifestyle

• Alcohol and Arthritis

• Diet and Arthritis

• Sex and Arthritis

• Sleep Hygiene

• Smoking and Arthritis

• Surgery and Arthritis

• Travel Checklist

• Work and Arthritis

Medication Safety

• Safety and Biologics

• Safety and NSAIDs

• Vaccinations for RA Patients

Pregnancy & Lacation

• Breastfeeding and Medications

• Lupus and Pregnancy

• Pregnancy and Medications

• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pregnancy

Taking Medication

• Adherence: Sticking to a Treatment Plan

• Learn How to Inject: Autoinjectors

• Learn How to Inject: Subcutaneous Injections

• Learn How to Inject: Subcutaneous Injections with a Pre-Filled Syringe

Therapy at Home

• Cold Therapy for Arthritis

• Heat Therapy for Arthritis

In treating rheumatoid arthritis with the biosimilars, you want to make sure you check with your rheumatologist, and perhaps your pharmacist, to make sure it’s the right medication for you.

Local Practitioners: Rheumatologist

Mothers with lupus may have antibodies that can cross the placenta. Only 1-2% (a very small number) of mothers with these antibodies will have babies with neonatal lupus or heart conduction issues.

If these antibodies are present, the mother will undergo fetal heart ultrasound between 16-28 weeks gestation. This will be done with your obstetrician.

Neonatal lupus most commonly presents with a rash. This resolves at 6 months when mom’s antibodies have cleared from their baby. Lupus can increase the risk of early birth, small babies, and rarely loss of the baby.
Miscarriages and Lupus
Although 40% of lupus patients have antiphospholipid antibodies only 4% will have clinical manifestations. If you are positive for these antibodies and have had recurrent miscarriages or a blood clot, you may require ASA or a blood thinner to carry your baby to term. Talk to you rheumatologist if this applies to you.
Medications and Pregnancy
Pregnancy, whether planned or a pleasant surprise, brings with it important concerns about prescription and over the counter medications.

Not every medication poses a risk to your unborn baby; however, some do. It is important to talk to your local family doctor.
Safe Medications
The following medications can be used safely throughout pregnancy and breast feeding:

• Prednisone
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• Cyclosporin
• Tacrolimus
• NSAIDs can be used up to 28 weeks, but should be avoided if you are having trouble getting pregnant. Rheumatology Now Living With Arthritis Patient Communication System

Finally, pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis should be something planned and something discussed with your rheumatologist in order to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.  

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Rheumatologist