Where can I get help paying for my medications?

By |2020-05-15T20:53:31-05:00May 15th, 2020|

The Arthritis Foundation helpline can help answer some of your common questions about financial assistance and more. Contact them at 1-800-283-7800 or visit https://www.arthritis.org/i-need-help for more ways to get in touch. Drug manufacturers may have financial assistance programs. Visit the links below to find out more about them. Abbvie: (Humira), (RINVOQ) Humira and [...]

I am feeling lonely/worried/anxious/depressed. What can I do?

By |2020-05-15T20:59:01-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Headspace is an app for meditation, and they have free modules available. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Take care of your body. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly, get plenty [...]

I have been unable to continue my usual exercise regimen because of COVID-19. How can I exercise safely while practicing social distancing?

By |2020-05-15T14:05:20-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Before making a decision about whether or not to be active outside, be sure to check the latest guidance from your local health department and community or state leaders. In most places across the United States, residents can go for a walk or run as long as they practice social distancing and good hygiene. [...]

I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. What should I do?

By |2020-05-15T20:56:45-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Talk with your medical provider regarding your symptoms and if they are not available, check to see if there is a local support line that has been set up. If you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New [...]

I take hydroxychloroquine (or another medication that is a possible treatment for COVID-19) for my rheumatic disease. Does that mean I am immune/have a reduced risk?

By |2020-05-20T19:26:19-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Please consult your physician to find out what is best for you and your treatment. Research is still very active in this area, and your healthcare provider will have the most up-to-date information for you. Currently, the only treatments approved by the FDA are "infection prevention and control measures and supportive care, including supplemental [...]

Should I stop taking any of my medications?

By |2020-05-15T13:59:30-05:00May 15th, 2020|

Please speak with your rheumatologist before considering any change to your treatment plan. They are an expert on your health! However, the following points are recommendations for clinicians by the ACR COVID-19 Clinical Guidance Task Force: Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine (HCQ/CQ), sulfasalazine (SSZ), methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide (LEF), immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine), [...]

Does taking steroids/DMARDs increase my risk of infection or severity of infection?

By |2020-05-15T13:53:31-05:00May 15th, 2020|

The short answer is that experts warn patients not to stop or change dosage of medication without calling their doctors. The long answer is that we don’t know whether taking immunosuppressant drugs further increases the risk of catching COVID-19. But Michael George, MD, a rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at [...]

Why are you asking me to do the COVID-19 questionnaires and the 6-month questionnaire?

By |2020-05-15T20:49:40-05:00May 15th, 2020|

FORWARD is asking you for this information now as it may provide valuable information to health care providers going forward to help make decisions about how to treat patients with rheumatic diseases who get COVID-19. Our 6-month questionnaires are the mainstay of our research, but if there's an important question that needs answering for the [...]

Go to Top